The Story In Which Bright Things Happen To You Poem by Mary Angela Douglas

the story in which bright things happen to you
is not to be disparaged
it is your carriage waiting

lined with green silk.
the unspilled milk
defiant, the flag

raised over the Poles
after an indescribable winter.
it is the centerpiece

that makes the table festive
the one with little heart cut outs
aluminum foiled mirrors

and you are the Queen of Hearts
just getting your start
in the world of work

mysteriously in your blue shawl
evading questions in the file rooms

and never shirking real
happiness at all.

mary angela douglas 2 february 2016