To The Match Girl, Dreaming

(to Hans Christian Andersen (for The Little Match Girl)

the first match shows The Tree
in all its finery, loaded with apples,
sugarplums, the candles of the world

reflected in your face
and now, the second grace is struck
and there's one Star

to guide you from where you are
frozen skylark in the snow and dreaming
of the third

with all the birds heard singing
Heaven and home to you
no longer alone.

but spared
all worldly care.

mary angela douglas 12 july 2019