As They Were In The Original

some have their kingdoms, their personal empires

more people than you would think

their cottage industries

when it comes to art and poetry on the brink

(of extinction) for which they will gain distinction

when it comes to being known for thinking deeply

when thinking is for show and who you know know know it comes to those who know

what to read when what time the train

is leaving the station for the prize winning orations 

it is necessary

to maintain a brittle attitude

a certain savoir faire

to give themselves airs according to the newly minted 

customs of the time  from just five minutes ago or so

to shine 

with borrowed light and never acknowledge the burrowing.

on the other hand, one person looking at the moon on a June night

without agenda with no need to impress

lives all alone in a kingdom of silver

and owes no one anything

but God.

and grandparents who told them fairytales

as they were, in the original.

mary angela douglas 2 may 2021