Remember To Save The Breadcrumbs Out

[in memory of my mother

and of the earth's greatest storyteller, Ray Bradbury]

remember to save the breadcrumbs out

in case of real emergencies

whenever the moonlight vanishes

and then, reappears

she said, softly and was gone.

or cup the sun in your hands

one warm July for years

and take it home

even if they all laugh at you for it.

hard winter comes on fast

in every clime and the

fairytale chime can't last

unless you believe it can.

and keep

a pantry full of stars, of blueprints

of a home on Mars decorated for Christmas

your bookshelves

full your heart as full of stories

as God, at least, try, won't you?

sweet joy in everyday holidays,

betide!

mary angela douglas 13 november 2014