Candy Apple Red In The Dead Of Winter (Final Version) Poem by Mary Angela Douglas

candy apple red in the dead of winter
the Christmas ribbons froze on the evergreen wreaths
on almost forgotten doors in half remembered streets
the snow comes up to the roof only in childhood dreams
dreaming to be reprieved from school
until the Spring.
what can I bring you, new Christmas
richer than memory
even if I bring you the five golden rings
it still couldn't measure up.
I will sip coffee from a foreign cup
still happy that the Star over Bethlehem shone
remembering the scents of oranges and cloves
but deeper now than snow at the poles
the knowledge that earth
is no longer my home.

mary angela douglas 24 december 2021