When Will We Melt Away

who lived to write the history of roses
the way the paper dolls looked when they were new
complete, with outfits for any occasion

accessories too, though paper tab folded
only on one side.

you are little they said when they addressed our souls
in the school hallways where the lockers froze
as if we counted for nothing

and were somebody’s kites
on a faraway string.
and they let go.

suddenly we saw
it was Spring
in more than one place

on the globe
and we were free
to come go

like snows
like the match girl in and out of dreams
when will we melt away

we wondered and wondered.
but God, said, chiming,
Never.

mary angela douglas 12 february 2019