Goodbye to the Toys;We Say Sorry To The Bears

to Kenneth Grahame

back in the kingdom of what you left behind
under a meadow roof of eglantine or a rosy arch
in an orchard forgot in years of rains

dolls still hold out outstretched arms
almost feeling pain

let me make it plain
little trains still miss their tracks
jumping ropes their jumpers

disjointed are the cheerful, painted
jacks
in the boxes that can be cranked no more.

ghostly the nursery floors
have turned to clover or they have
mouldered

here rest those you left behind
not knowing it was over
still dreaming you may return to find them.

once when you went away
not knowing you were gone to stay
you parted company

with these
the faithful in the breeze
who missed you so

among the hum of bees
as if they were flowers
gone to seed

you'll see them in Paradise
and be pleased and so will they,
some far off day

and play play play play play.

mary angela douglas 20 january 2019