We Meant To Wear Empire Dresses Always

we meant to wear empire dresses always

in vivid velvet, with a single jewel.

only, the empires faded;

the clotheslines rolled up the suns.

now wash days come and go.

and the sun dried wild flowers

after storms.

and I feel torn in two at times

like a faded paper doll

that's overused.

thank God for the tape that mends

I laugh and then I pretend again

I'm still in blue velvet,

in an empire gown

and it will be always Spring.

mary angela douglas 15 april 2015