The Dream Of The Overland China

[to Bess Streeter Aldrich, author of the
incredibly lyrical novel "A Lantern In Her Hand"]

there should be coral rosebuds round it

she said softly speaking of her dream-china

that could not be carried overland.

so many things we left behind

because we could not carry them:

the moon with the rainbow ring

the music of the spheres and

walled in gardens.

the penny novel thoughts the

derring-do.

the ochre in the trees how long

I have longed to see dark

honey crusted on an

afternoon's leisurely canvas-

and plumed chivalries.

yet I have seen the green wind on the

prairies limitlessly, the coolness of God

in underground springs

and round as a wagon wheel, the yellow-gold

loaves of Heaven.

mary angela douglas 24 october 2013