Paradox Poem by Mary Angela Douglas

sometimes I wake up and think

you only imagine that you live in a free country

if you examine the case more closely

you live like Gulliver in Lilliput

a thousand times over in your dreams

how much more out in the working world

and what lies between

one slip of the tongue

one crooked smile

can send you packing for miles and miles

and the docket is full

and they won't take your case

you're at the bottom of the human race

sucessfully unsuccessfully speaking

yet God's bright shadow

still follows you.

and sings like a linnet in your shabby room.

mary angela douglas 5 january 2023