Advice Inscribed On An Ancient Wall

turn your face away from the skies falling apart
from forests burning down
from the devastation of towns

and the miniature dollhouses
live in dreams the live long day
no matter how they diagnose you

live in dreams
its easier that way
you will endure

your soul secure
in how the world should be
not how it is

turn your steps away from the flowing lava
your heart from the sound of martial drums
weep not inwardly

there let mercies reign.

mary angela douglas 26 january 2018