When Suddenly He Dissolves In Tears Poem by Mary Angela Douglas

For Hans Christian Andersen
The swans emerge from the toy castle
Or they seem to
Shine, I said to the tin soldier
It is time
The dancer waits with a heart of tulle
Delicately steadfast on one leg
She will understand
His fortitude
Hans Andersen in the garret of the world
Unfolds his paper cut out swans in garlands
For little children and dreams of being presented to the
King of Denmark when suddenly
He dissolves in tears and fireworks
Over the castle.
mary angela douglas 20 april 2024