That Is The Script They Hand You Poem by Mary Angela Douglas

that is the script they hand you
but this is the one you use
please keep in mind

this distinction whenever you are

gazing over yet another precipice-

watch whose words are streaming from your mouth
when your crenellated soul is
so in danger of being

ironed out permanently

(that flag is the color of snow
raised in a milky sky)
you can't salute

what you don't see:

be careful

mary angela douglas 20 august 2008