In Hard Times With Only The Dimestore Jewelry Left Poem by Mary Angela Douglas

could I sell my dimestore jewelry
down by the springs?
at least I could wash my face

in the rippling waters

thought the vagrant Princess Elise
who hadn't packed her mirrors.
what are mirrors when no

one recognizes you anyway
she had thought, at the last minute
taking only an extra summer jumper

a basket for berries, the
clip earrings, the faux pink pearls
someday there will be bread
she dreamed she said

and that will seem
like a Wedding.

mary angela douglas 24 march 2015; 28 november 2023