Salvation (Poetry)
31st March 2019
I saw an angel down the subway
recognised his rainbow coat
he’d a battered gold sombrero
and a silk scarf at his throat
When he smiled his teeth gleamed pearly
and he gave a friendly wink
as we passed along the platform
I was puzzled what to think
So I joked — was he recruiting?
but he sighed and shook his head
then explained in lengthy detail
here’s the jist of what he said —
He was searching for his brother
who’d gone on a weekend break
left his wings back home in Heaven
with the harp he didn’t take
Propped his halo on the mantel
sandals tucked beneath his bed
then he’d flown to Earth quite naked
from what old St. Peter said
Though it seemed like a tall story
I thought it better not to say
my response was sympathetic
in a non-judgemental way
“Well, I really hope you find him —
try the hostel near the park
they take in the lost and homeless
and stay open after dark”
“Thank you, kindly” said the angel
as he tipped his glowing hat
then he vanished through the brickwork
though I cannot swear to that
Strange, I pondered little on it —
it felt normal at the time
to converse with such a being
on the busy Central line
It was only two days later
I bumped into him again
he was soaked, his holy status
no protection from the rain
When he sneezed I murmured “Bless you!”
just like any Christian might
and I offered my umbrella
he was such a sorry sight
Well, he hadn’t found his brother
his three-day pass was running out
he’d no choice but leave tomorrow
higher duties called, no doubt
So I said I’d post a flier
and promised to send word
should I perchance get any news
I’d pass on what I heard
He hugged me to him closely
a fervour grew within
I knew right then I’d be his slave
love branded on my skin
“I’m Raphael” he whispered
then vanished as before
so I went home, my heart on fire
and pledged to help the poor
Since that night I’ve trudged the city
every alley and dark lane
while I look for that lost angel
though most angels look the same
Now I sit among the homeless
listening to their sad lives
and I wonder at their spirit —
how in Heaven hope survives
in the chill and damp of Winter
when bitter winds howl on
and they wait dog-tired and hungry
for that season to be gone
Some mistake me for an angel
bringing blankets, food and cheer
though I’ve not yet found my brother
there are times I sense he’s near
And that’s how I joined their army
it’s become a lifelong quest
working on the side of angels
I feel humbled — truly blessed
recognised his rainbow coat
he’d a battered gold sombrero
and a silk scarf at his throat
When he smiled his teeth gleamed pearly
and he gave a friendly wink
as we passed along the platform
I was puzzled what to think
So I joked — was he recruiting?
but he sighed and shook his head
then explained in lengthy detail
here’s the jist of what he said —
He was searching for his brother
who’d gone on a weekend break
left his wings back home in Heaven
with the harp he didn’t take
Propped his halo on the mantel
sandals tucked beneath his bed
then he’d flown to Earth quite naked
from what old St. Peter said
Though it seemed like a tall story
I thought it better not to say
my response was sympathetic
in a non-judgemental way
“Well, I really hope you find him —
try the hostel near the park
they take in the lost and homeless
and stay open after dark”
“Thank you, kindly” said the angel
as he tipped his glowing hat
then he vanished through the brickwork
though I cannot swear to that
Strange, I pondered little on it —
it felt normal at the time
to converse with such a being
on the busy Central line
It was only two days later
I bumped into him again
he was soaked, his holy status
no protection from the rain
When he sneezed I murmured “Bless you!”
just like any Christian might
and I offered my umbrella
he was such a sorry sight
Well, he hadn’t found his brother
his three-day pass was running out
he’d no choice but leave tomorrow
higher duties called, no doubt
So I said I’d post a flier
and promised to send word
should I perchance get any news
I’d pass on what I heard
He hugged me to him closely
a fervour grew within
I knew right then I’d be his slave
love branded on my skin
“I’m Raphael” he whispered
then vanished as before
so I went home, my heart on fire
and pledged to help the poor
Since that night I’ve trudged the city
every alley and dark lane
while I look for that lost angel
though most angels look the same
Now I sit among the homeless
listening to their sad lives
and I wonder at their spirit —
how in Heaven hope survives
in the chill and damp of Winter
when bitter winds howl on
and they wait dog-tired and hungry
for that season to be gone
Some mistake me for an angel
bringing blankets, food and cheer
though I’ve not yet found my brother
there are times I sense he’s near
And that’s how I joined their army
it’s become a lifelong quest
working on the side of angels
I feel humbled — truly blessed