Heaven's Highway (Poetry)

From: ‘The Angel Papers’

I met an angel on the road
and asked him where the highway led
‘Back home’ he smiled like I should know
and pointed where it stretched ahead

‘Please may I walk with you?’ I said
he shrugged — off-hand ‘Well if you must
but mark my words the journey’s long
I travel light and churn no dust’

We walked in silence side by side
his pace was steady mile on mile
and I kept up as best I could
then flagging asked to rest awhile

He shook his head ‘I cannot stop
I’m sorry (he let go a sigh)
I’m needed kind of urgently —
high time I flew my friend ... Goodbye’

With that he rose into the air
and opened wide his silver wings
he left me open-mouthed in awe
of truth such realization brings

I sat at length and pondered this
before I stumbled on my way
no signposts either side the road
yet I kept going come what may

And stranger yet I must report
I found bright feathers now and then
like arrows dropped to point the way
and lead me safely home again

Now I am old and in my dreams
I’m fast approaching Heaven’s gate
and there are feathers all aglow
a perfect line laid good and straight