The Story In Which Bright Things Happen To You

the story in which bright things happen to you
is not to be disparaged.
it is your carriage waiting,

lined with green silk.
the unspilled milk
defiant, the flag

raised over the Poles
after an indecipherable winter.
it is the centerpiece

that makes the table festive
the one with little heart cut-outs
aluminum foiled mirrors

and you are the Queen of Hearts
beneficent, just getting your start
in the world of work;

mysteriously, in your blue shawl
evading questions in the file rooms

and never shirking real
happiness at all.

mary angela douglas 2 february 2016