Alicean, Elysian, Waking Earlier

she wore a dress with sheer blue sleeves
forget me nots at the waist
and the Rabbit said make haste

she said: it's just a dream.
I'll walk as I please
in pale rose slippers

down to the lea
said Rabbit there's no time for that.
and then she met the one with the Hat

and had her cup of tea, no lemon squeeze
and thought I must get on with it somehow
why won't they let me leave

and now I'm smaller than before
and still can't get through the tiny door
because the key is out of reach.

and suddenly her gown is peach
and she's on the riverbank asleep
and coming to

a little sad she seems
so suddenly waking from her dream
well, wouldn't you be?

mary angela douglas 37 january 2018