to learn to keep a face
revealing nothing more
than a vague pleasantness
in or out of doors
to sit or stand in place
not by stealth, but Grace
to grow accustomed if need be
to the same silk dress
with faux jeweled beads
that you had on under the Tree
to imaginary teas
to please, never having to vary
just by thinking: pretty please, with a cherry
to being left for hours
to sit among the flowers
with no other company
than the teddy bears
the wilting roses sometimes
to be rained on
with no feeling
other than
here I am with my bent parasol
the rosebud mouth the same
having nothing to exclaim
forever beautiful
even when shunned
stunning in a pink lace shawl
mistaken for the angelical
having no message at all.
mary angela douglas 23 november 2022;7 february 2023
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