Strawberry

it's like a ladder you dream of
the one that keeps slipping away
and you say "Stay!"

o but who can hear you,
the angels oblivious?
on their way?

the minor stars gliding
on the merry go round.
I have seen the double escalator

but I'm not going down
the prophets sang.
but you hang onto the rails

at the skating rink of clowns
and ask advice
and give advice

in the cafeteria.
licking the wooden spoon
free of vanilla.

hoping for another round.

mary angela douglas 29 march 2016