My Lost Unicorn Wandered Far Poem by Mary Angela Douglas

to poetry

my lost unicorn wandered far
from the tattered tapestry, unseen
to graze in someone else's

dream
the one with the jeweled soul
the one who would eat
from my hand fresh amethysts

every day

poetry, too, is wandering from the world
no longer wanted
living on scraps in

faith-based precints (faith in what - can't they say?)
vivid as ice-cream colors
but they can't recall

the King of all bright words and stars.
but there was no vanishing point
in my picture

there was no heraldic distance ever
and I have looked so far to find you
and take you home

while scavengers remained behind
snipping at the last few
shining threads

since they know better
how the chanson should end
being themselves

such household names

but I know how the song begins
and this small glissando
I hid well in my last pocket

against the dread day of your disappearance
these golden threads I have
wept anew, dealing with so much straw:
remembering the promises made to thieves;
entreating the King of Heaven
to make your broken music box -
turn again, this way:

let the storied creature
with the kind and nuzzling horn
clomp on before your many-hued gaze

led past confetti corridors
and children's best birthday parties -

home.
where you are breathing the color of roses
where you are breathing the color of roses

mary angela douglas 31 august 2009