The Way It Works

the way it works
the way you dreamed it would
you'll set off down the road

just past the woods
across the street
from your little house

your best kerchief tied and
holding all your jewels
and you won't even feel

hungry for a long, long while.
then you'll reach in your pocket
the one embroidered with little field flowers

for the round of cheese
the dark brown bread
your mother baked

and take the shiny fruit
from the low hanging bough
and sleep in the orchard

when the moon is full
and wash your face in the crystal stream
and dream of what

you were sent to do
what you were sent to do.
may the angels help you.

mary angela douglas 5 february 2016