Come Back, I Said To The Riddles Poem by Mary Angela Douglas

come back, I said to the riddles
but they would not heed me
in time for the party, scrolled

on pastel strips of paper
or wrapped with favors of
foil wrapped toffee

caught like kites in the wind

or the best chocolates
along the meridians.
they said they were.

what will we do by sunset
without the answers
when the riddle masters come calling

wanting their fortunes told.
I shall grow old, waiting.
and the cakes, stale.

and who will let the jesters
our of jail.

mary angela douglas 21 january 2017