this is the train doubling back
this is the mistake of the dream engineer
that will never be made clear
until silver trumpets sound
this is the merry go round
the clashing of gears
that went on for years
the sleights in the cafeteria
arranged seating at the alumnae teas
this is you admiring the centerpiece
which really is lovely with mimosa pink carnations
a handful of stars
you lean over to compliment them
but everyone leaves
everyone leaves says the engineer
it's only you at the station now
always running off the platform
into a heart shaped town
at the evening exit with the shops closed down
where the moon streams
and you think so cloudily as
one does in dreams
I have to go back again
I have to go back again
the engineer can't say when
mary angela douglas 20 january 2018
