To One Who Considers Leaving Earth Too Early Poem by Mary Angela Douglas

on the day you feel like going away too early
I hope it comes to mind that certain clouds
still need you to be here or else (I fear) ,

they will weep themselves into the sea.
and birds will scatter aimlessly;
lost without your particular

tree of dreams,
the one they are used to;
the secret one of gold.

reconsider colours
without you to grow old;
at least, your childhood

favorites on a summer's garden wall

through a raindrop prism
will tremble in their bands
and the rings of planets

seize up in a cold
no scientist can understand
and certain ships so laden

with the wishes just for you
that have come due
oh now that you have done this

will never reach land.

mary angela douglas 20 february 2016