Calling Long Distance From The Witch's Castle Poem by Mary Angela Douglas

there are times I wish I could see my grandmother again

as Dorothy saw Aunt Em

in the crystal ball

though not in distress

though being held captive in the castle

of the Wicked Witch with your friends also in peril

even if you are the owner of the ruby slippers

seems a daunting price to pay for a glimpse of grandmother

when she is already in my heart...

but just to see through the clouded globe again her face

what a treat in such difficulties

her grandmotherly fretting, her familiar voice

along the lines of

be good sweet maid let those who will be clever

(thank you, Charles Kingsley)

or ask me no questions and I'll tell you no lies

which would have been a good rejoinder to the witch

and might have done as much as throwing water on her did

as to the melting scene.

mary angela douglas 7 march 2023