Reprieved

let this poem speak in Light
and rose on rose, garedenia, bright
of the refreshment of gardens

of skies and we will shine like opals
in the secret kingdoms of His grace
and one day, face to face

let it be in blue evening, a time
you've always loved
in the articulated pearl rising of the moon

of doves, the secret doves
and the Ark renewed
that earth may no longer grieve.

and grieve.and grieve.
and we will walk as though we had wings
though we are old

and shine in the secret kingdoms, gold, scarlet,
the purple of what we please-
and be reprieved.

mary angela douglas 30 may 2018