Monday, July 31, 2017

Galoshes

will it snow stars when we get there
my sister perhaps asked me
when we get to the end of the story

on a day Cinderella was dressed in blue

at least, we thought so
having decided on different hues for

her on different days

though really there were probably only the two outfits
in most paper doll sets:

the rag she wore around the house

to do the housework for the grumpies
and the one the godmother summoned

all spangly from the air.


yes it will snow stars we declared

and so it would happen.
and we'll arrive at the depot 

in our crystal shoes

or the version of them
Grandmother found

in the F.A.O.Schwarz

Christmas Catalogue.
let's go look for presents

she enthused (not Grandmother,but

my sister) since her
favorite thing to do

her face all sticky

with candy cane, the odd petit four

was rummaging while

Grandmother taught the pianoforte
so we did, and Grandmother, unaware

and found them everywhere.

so we expected Life to be:
all presents in unexpected corners

snow tinsel falling out of the skies

and we're prepared 
good Brownies we were and wise

amid all falling stars-

ready for anything,
in our crystal galoshes.

mary angela douglas 31 july 2017