Do They Cast Flowers There

do they cast flowers there on the waters
from receding ships you wondered
and does it mean something different

depending on what country you represent
and do the flowers sink or can they
stay aloft stay aloft

I said under my breath
weaving the kites of sorrow into my song,
all the golden ones

the little prayer flags fluttering
Lord, hear my plea

stay aloft forever
on the receding waters
my flowered wreath.

I did not deceive
I was not the deceiving one
and I will not be now.

mary angela douglas 2 april 2018