Neither Stone Nor Shadow

you will live in a house
neither stone nor shadow
nor by a running brook

and look at books
and look at the lamplight
blocking out the stars

but yours will be inward stars
ever drifting sifting the gold 
from the silver ones

you will take your stand
and vanish, no explanation given
into a farther land, more beautiful still

and firmly planted there
despite their whispering
bide your time

and all the greenery will be yours
the birds that chime.
the lilacs.

mary angela douglas 30 march 2016