Before Which Wishes Poem by Mary Angela Douglas

you raise your head like a cloudy nebulae

but you aren't good for the GNP

the lilacs thunder, but you keep it to yourself;


who needs the visionary

when we have all this tv;

commercially commercials all night long


who cares if you see stars in the gutter

if you wear old dance dresses inside out

to make the most of the sprigged fabric


the bright tulle overskirt of light.


you spend your time sorting the clouds.

into various tints of the profound or the acrylics

who cares if you shed tears of pearl


on a silken route made specifically for you,


it's still your world; there are gardenias, somewhere.

your mind is the garden and you keep the gate

as Rilke said, even when he was dead


before which, wishes wait.


mary angela douglas 30 april 2020; rev.7 may 2020