The Doll Of The Aftermath Poem by Mary Angela Douglas

small dolls can walk unassisted

through the rubble

carrying their hand woven goods

fixed eyes staring ahead

voluminous skirts in gay colours

and with their hidden angels, gems.

these are the rules of the aftermath

when the aftershocks have only just started

and through with folkloric partings

small dolls litter the landscape

tiny with such firm steps

across the apocalypse.

mary angela douglas 1 january 2023