Eleanor In The Park

[inspired by the film "A Portrait of Jennie"]

eleanor in the park
loves the snow-shine
from another time.

and distance doesn't mean anything
she will write on her slate of moon
all the lessons she can't resume

eleanor in the park
bewails the scattering of leaves
and tries to not seem so bereaved

while it is always growing dark.
and what is it that candles sing
she longs to try remembering

what trips her up, that she forgets
she used to know by heart
when stars are falling through the nets

and all my angels flee,
cries eleanor from an empty door frame.

why, what is? chimes keep wondering
what was it that the summers bring
where wedding veils shan't cost a thing

since all their lace is yellowing
and snow falls so bewildering
on a cherry red dress, a

twilight cloak while she imagines it is Spring
for eleanor, my favorite ghost;
for eleanor, their favorite joke

where jokes are made on growing older
when the wild winds shake
the snows from her frail shoulder.

mary angela douglas 6 february 2016