once upon a time
the moon was dressed in gold,
shading to silver
we had no formulas.
the dog had eyes that glowed in the dark.
we believed in hidden treasure.
we loved to play with measuring cups,
but not to measure.
a red wagon pulled on a summer day
then playing in the sprinkler
was followed by a matinee
or strawberry shortcake
on some occasions.
any cake was good, though.
with pink icing.
we learned to be nice
to wear Sunday dresses
with net petticoats.
to float until we felt
we were out in the deep water
and we had to turn back,
kicking like mad.
we learned
not to sit on a tack.
to play jacks until the cows came home
though we didn't have any cows.
milk was good for us
except at school
in slightly soured cartons.
and applesauce too.
we felt all trees were watching over us
that having shadows was important
thanks to Peter Pan.
that the first day of school
crackled almost like Christmas
and Time to us
was a silver ocean
we could draw bucketfuls from.
and we would never run out
of it.
or God.
mary angela douglas 11 july 2019
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