Cherry Cupboards

the cherry cobbler cupboards look askance
since pie saving's gone out of style such
a long time now

but I remember the buttery crust taste
well mixed in with cherries
add a custard tart or two for the refreshments Alice drank

to become much smaller through the keyhole

into the incomparable garden 
where it's me and my sister on the swings again
in our dresses from school the very same day

but freer than any classroom will ever allow
to reach someday the clouds
and learn to live there

everything turning pink
until it begins to snow
and bounces us back home.

mary angela douglas 4 june 2017