flightsong (grounded)

 

once there was an angel

wings disfigured and broken

stumbling through a reality

that resembled heaven.

            and felt like hell?

 

this angel’s shame

hidden wings betray.

this angel’s shame

to never fly again?

 

now this unrisen angel

wings healing though unsteady

never learned to fly

although he has tried.

            tied down to hell?

 

this angel’s flame

hidden wings disguise.

this angel’s flame

to be a king of skies?

 

“i believe i can fly”

was never enough

and all he had.

what will it take?

 

this angel’s flame –

short of the rule of skies –

this angel’s flame

to fly.  before your eyes?

 

-9/11/98

 

to the asylum