Beautiful The Essay That Doesn't Fade Away

beautiful the essay that doesn't fade away
that picks field flowers in a bright meandering way
or clouds from a cotton sky

whatever is nearby
or far as dreams or ancient gleams
of what returns on summer days

or when the winds, the rains rap pleasantly
at winter panes. because you are inside.

cast far away from you the present lies
all that disturbs and clouds the eyes
with sorrow.

walk awhile with those beloved ghosts
who wrote and wrote and wrote
wherever it would lead

whole paragraphs of gold
the page of mead
and take their lead

and a few apples with you
cheese and bread
and listen for the magic

that was said.

mary angela douglas 10 january 2016