As Though Filtered Through Violets

[reflections on the Lady of Shalott]

was everything for her refracted more softly
so that moonlight entered the chamber
as though filtered through violets;

sunlight streamed through intermediating angels?
dear Lady. tower lost and spinning.
it's hard on the heart, isn't it

never seeing life up close.
they will turn to other things,
new tournaments, what they may.

flowers will send their regrets
and you will just keep weaving
grieving in this way.

how candlelit and solemn
the processions for you
after you left.

if only you could have stayed to see them.

mary angela douglas 25 june 2016