Testament Poem by Mary Angela Douglas

to whom it may or it may not concern

as to what is missing from the fairy tale

I took nothing

leaving everything as it was

in its rightful cupboard

perhaps the sun a little golder

nearer to the colour of honey

or the wind like quicksilver dusted;

I kept to myself

all the marvels

even the tribulations

breaking out into pink rosebuds.

that they might not perish

and the children be so bereft.

the apples still sweet on the tree

the bird in hiding

long may its singing be

the shade of the scent of violets

as long as it has been, before me

and even longer then

when I am gone;

heartfeltedly, I will you all.

mary angela douglas 18 july 2023