To Write In Longhand

you thought it was possible to write in longhand
your green thoughts in even greener ink.
they all think that, chided the shadows

or would have if you had written for them
an alphabet, perhaps. of lowering clouds,
in purple.

it's dark your mother said
from her long exile

telepathically.
come inside.
and we felt april

through an open screen door,
the sandlot variations
and our little pails.

in Heaven there will be time
for silver engraving on

the Wedding cards;
for the fine embroidery
on all the veils

your soul required
when you were writing in green ink,
attired in colours of the rose.

mary angela douglas 12 decemer 2017