We Build On A Flood (But Not Forever) Poem by Mary Angela Douglas

life is strange.
we build on a flood,
thinking ourselves snug

and the whole time, washed away.
time is stranger

meeting ourselves at some beginnings again
or seeming to, all ribbons maypole waving
and there the bridge gives way,

the little sticks.

but we will build again one day;
there where the planets wash gold to green,
to reds and blues like gummed stars

over our pianoforte pieces used to, Shine!
when we played well.
who can tell when?

we'll sigh like the roses
in the flowers beds again
when the warmer winds come through;

exult with the backyard birds that
winter's gone forever now, away
while we spy on every hand

each familiar gleam beckoning us,
pretend it's already here

through our tears fast fading
and learn to say
there in the peachbright morning,

ah, there's Land again, and free.

mary angela douglas 1 september 2016 rev.12 april 2017