Your Three Wishes Keep

your three wishes keep
even in your sleep
those who seem to pray

often come to slay
openly they smile
full of hidden wiles

plotting all the time
for the death knell's chime
you will think them friends

but, ah, in the end
they can steal away
and turn to night your day

be careful what you say

avoid such grieving
wish with all your heart
and they'll be leaving

God is wise to them
making up your sins
He sees everywhere

them creeping on the stair.
talk to Him instead
and leave the dead, the dead

to bury.
Jesus said.

mary angela douglas 19 january 2016