the descent of an angel
tears the space through which he plunges,
shreds and scorches the path to righteousness
like a bullet ripping through flesh or an
injection needle "this is for the better" -
nothing that loves can ignore the pain
and I am sorry they covered up the ugliness,
smearing it with virtue and "this is the way it is" -
careful, soldier of God, do not remove your helmet or vest,
remain invulnerable to danger and the caresses of others -
fight for what is right (my right not yours, you are on the wrong side)
He commanded it and you must obey, brave knight.
You are such a powerful piece, how could they not but
push you forward to reel back the lost pawn -
digging too deeply in search of a tiny gem,
the tunnel growing darker by the hour,
weary soldier, exhausted miner, angel
OF THE LORD AND GLORIOUS HEAVEN
you shoot your gun and stab your shovel
into the world too far, overextending until you pierce yourself
with whatever your reach will have grasped along the way,
it cannot escape you, nor you it -
you will suffer when it hits you;
I only hope the agony is like the bitterness
of a miracle drug of which you will need daily doses
for you are always painfully descending