MANASSAS, I REMEMBER

Manassas, I remember your scorched earth-
a handful of yellow leaves,
trembling-


your letters tied with no ribbon.

but I won't be going
through all those

doorways hidden in your mists;

I can't be buried under your snow,
your sad angels.


I won't be walking up your

honeysuckled road
and crying


mary angela douglas 30 may 1998