Would Life On Mars Be Ruby Red

would life on Mars be ruby red, we wondered
through our summers.
sometimes in between the

lemonade days,our butterscotched hopscotch
a little out of sorts or bubble gum
bazooka comic- faded out in last week's wash...

will there be porch swings?
a slight, honeysuckle breeze?
will there still be cinnamon toast, oh please-

well this was what Ray Bradbury partially
came to say, apart from Green Town.
Mars is Green Town

seen from a certain angle
in the funhouse mirrors.
wherever you go

your home goes with you:
be not afraid.

mary angela douglas 7 october 2015