Start Over At The Beginning Of The Measure Poem by Mary Angela Douglas

having the bright Word close at hand
I do not falter
only the tip of the rose is glazed with frost
though wolves may range the Shepherd
still will keep us
out of the bristling coverts
far from the lost.
dim though the lanterns be
we shine within
go back to the green beginnings
and start again
first of the measure
my Grandmother says
when I miss the notes
play to the tune of all the angelic hosts
washing the jeweled sword
in the mountain rain
hearing the music inside myself
and not in vain the laurel and rose
alight.

mary angela douglas 8 may 2023