what does it cost us really
to let other people have their dreams
their daydreams even out loud outrageously
inappropriately, with faux rhinestones sewn all over.
but we live in the Age of Mockery
and the contract keeps getting renewed
and it is so inevitable to scoff
when you're in a group at school
or later after work, even years later
and it's time to pay the cynical dues
that make you a member.
what would it cost just once to remember
not to say in the blithe censorious cafes
blase and all of that
the word that wounds another's heart
on a summer's day
so that after that they depart
somehow with no more summers
for them again, ever. Your words
will return to you someday
in really bad weather
someday when even the least bright word
is denied you.
mary angela douglas 13 january 2018
