Jenny Lind

to Jenny Lind on the curve of Song
Hans Andersen wrote
in a rose leafed scrawl

to Jenny Lind.
to Jenny Lind on a mermaid shore
Hans Andersen cried

oh evermore I loved you, Jenny Lind.
but song is brief and life is wronged sometimes oh Jenny
my muted swan

drifts on the current and passes by
but Jenny Lind cannot espy
the awkward heart that is so nigh.

tin soldiering on he still salutes
Jenny Lind with the voice of a lute
Jenny Lind.

Jenny Lind in a pale blue shawl
why do you turn your face to the wall
and cast his embroidery out to sea

he only made for love of thee.

mary angela douglas 16 march 2020