WHISTLING SHADE


Angelology

by Naomi Ruth Lowinsky


The Angel of Now is named
Sciatica     She’s got you

under her irritated sway
The Angel of Hurry has mislaid

your glasses     She’s a black hole
full of lost keys     lost worlds

last night’s forgotten dream

The Angel whose name is Presence
can’t find your voice     gets stuck

in your blind alleys     Your hip complains
of cranky weather     Your shoulders ache
							to be wings

The Angel of The Times breaks into
your glass house     shatters

your favorite bubble     smears fear
all over the news

This Angel is a Banshee
with a Hammer

This Angel is the Radiant Eye
						Look

The persimmon tree hangs heavy with fruit
Rain glistens on leaves     turning red     turning gold

					Breathe deep from your belly
					Smell the wet earth

So speaks the Angel
from Before You Were Born

					Remember me? I’m the one
					who promised you
									all this