Still

we would be decoding the skies
if only we had known
there would be maps

that lied: here is water
where there was none.
later. reading in school

this is how the Indians knew
a hard winter was on its way
if only we could remember

what was the sign.
and people will misinterpret what we say
and shard like disappear

into an inner wounding

and duel with nothing
and call it won.
and I will sigh for the days to come

oh let them come,
anyway.

we still have God.

mary angela douglas 22 march 2018