In Elephant Heaven There Are No Tears

in elephant heaven there are no tears
just the snatched green years prolonged
plenty of time splashing 

in the infinite waters for
the sons and daughters and
the trumpeting of the stars.

and where you are
the grass is sweet
and soft is the Heaven's earth

and tender under your feet.
no bruising.
no hidden tricks.

no beating with sticks
and with gnarled commands.
kindness. the Elephant Promised Land

the tents rolled up at last.
the trunks uproarious.
victorious

in Elephant Heaven.

mary angela douglas 13 march 2016