Parlour Song Poem by Mary Angela Douglas

every day is a star that shines on you

even through the mists.

what will you do


will you remove the cloud cover

will you polish the mirror of the sky

will you sigh oh bye and bye


if I get to it. maybe, in the amethyst afternoon

and withhold your dream horses at the ford

pulling on the jeweled reins...


till the night comes and the moon too.

to shine on you. with missed refrains.

what will you do now in your snowy dress.


there is still enough light to see by. you confess

the vase of flowers in the parlour had

such hopes for you when you brought them in from the garden.


just - try. play something on the piano.

put a glass record on the victrola.

hum to the carpet sweeper. strum on the mandolin.


through the beaded curtains, let a little joy in.


mary angela douglas 3 july 2020