We Wanted To Spell In Jelly Beans

we wanted to spell in jelly beans
the names of the flowers
of all the hours between now

and Christmas
using the red and green
making wreaths of cloud roses

and they drifted by us
for that purpose;

decorative bells that never chimed
yet accented packages gaily
and through a frosted spy glass

we would spy innumerable goodies
coated in caramel or butterscotch
toffe toffee toffee sang we together

skipping rope in winter sunlight
will you turn again with your
pastel shadow wavering

a little indecisive with
the curtsey before the concert
in your pink dress

and all that music
inside you
spilling over

into the quiet of
the children
and their guests

mary angela douglas 22 march 2016