In The Eye Of The Marble, Dressed In Blue Crystal

in the distance small trumpets tiny trumpets
have laid the mouse kings to rest
on this revolving stage

while the thumbelinas weep
into tinier handkerciefs
embroidered with telltale strawberries

and you will sew up the book with slender threads
of the silver and gold
of the pages

replete with amethyst.
february's child
your mother smiled

grandmother too
what language will welcome you
when they have finished

their census of the stars
the lives of blue moths burn out
and Christmas card designs

in the snows.
who will bring you
miniature roses

and will you bow from the stage

when God's sweeping and beautiful hand
rearranges us all

mary angela douglas 17 january 2018