Who Loved Beauty Most Perhaps

who loved Beauty most perhaps was the one we didn't see

filing past us on the street, that moment in the cafe

or on the bus.

who loved Beauty most was perhaps silent about it

from too much love. reticent. nothing to write home about.

who loved Beauty most did not excel in school

and later on made do with the crumbs from the

Christmas feasts of the world. watched a little tv

or the crimson leaves falling in the park.

the fireflies after dark, first buds on the trees

the snowflake clouds perceived.

was often at home.  unvisited.

slicing the liverwurst thin in the

mustard coloured kitchinette.

perhaps with not even a dog or cat.

who loved Beauty most stayed home from the Ball

while the stepsisters came back loaded with the souvenirs

the wish you were here postcards sent a little late.

but in dreams...in dreams

had no peers.

mary angela douglas 9 november 2014