Raggedy, Then And Now Poem by Mary Angela Douglas

every now and then when I watch the news

or even just look out on the day I say to myself

I wonder what Raggedy Ann would do

sometimes I think she would just run away

not even gesturing with her sweet cloth hands

her peppermint striped legs flying willy and nilly

to try to get into the NASA training program

to launch into outer space and then just

mysteriously not come back

but other times I see her on the same

even track

always smiling

never saying anything but I love you

and that, telepathically

in the same blue and pink sprigged dress and the same hairstyle

orangey red yarn, tres low maintenance

keeping life simple

ignoring all complications

getting stitched up now and then.

she could handle it.

she always was such a good friend.

mary angela douglas 8 november 2022