One Day From This Intermittent Wilderness Poem by Mary Angela Douglas

One day from this intermittent wilderness

We shall emerge

The rocks we hauled for them yielding honey

The arid nights scented with lilies

The curved bell of sorrow slicing the air no longer

the harsh word turned back at all borders

the nets forever mended in which we were ensnared

oh on a dare you think that I lie that this is fabrication or

that I am a well meaning fool

you don't yet know the shadow that falls across you now

one day will be ringed with light.

And what has been heavy so heavy for you on earth

Will break into peals of music

That have never known lamentation.

mary angela douglas 2 july 2024