Beauty will return (perhaps by pale blue moonlight)
to discern the scuffed image of the ivory tower.
or rumplestiltskin climb and lose his footing
near the rose leafed bower
or begin again, the long slide down the hill
of the riddle guessed, anyhow
to the day of the fine cakes baked in vain
by firelight, by cryptic marbling light
as by the enjewelled brought up to the surface
of no ancient drowning, here.
or you will disappear.
or you will go by the saucer-eyed dogs
each one, looming larger
and overcome your trepidation;
or find the caves of the sun
following directions exactly
lest you be baked in your own cake.
children, forgo the peppermint laden house.
it isn't yours.
take comfort in the small birds singing.
the last of the bread.
that sudden ray of moonlight
just ahead showcasing
that the snows
have vanished there...
and now and now, it's Spring
and the shimmering fact
is you're not dead yet.
nor, will you ever be.
mary angela douglas 2 august 2015
to discern the scuffed image of the ivory tower.
or rumplestiltskin climb and lose his footing
near the rose leafed bower
or begin again, the long slide down the hill
of the riddle guessed, anyhow
to the day of the fine cakes baked in vain
by firelight, by cryptic marbling light
as by the enjewelled brought up to the surface
of no ancient drowning, here.
or you will disappear.
or you will go by the saucer-eyed dogs
each one, looming larger
and overcome your trepidation;
or find the caves of the sun
following directions exactly
lest you be baked in your own cake.
children, forgo the peppermint laden house.
it isn't yours.
take comfort in the small birds singing.
the last of the bread.
that sudden ray of moonlight
just ahead showcasing
that the snows
have vanished there...
and now and now, it's Spring
and the shimmering fact
is you're not dead yet.
nor, will you ever be.
mary angela douglas 2 august 2015
