Three Angels

Three angels lifted me up high so I could see
The oceans and the lands of our blue home.
They did not speak to me, but stood back, silently
And gestured quietly, I would say solemnly,
That I observe our planet’s biodome.

I didn’t understand and quickly raised my hand
To ask them if this was some crazy test.
The angel in command, with gesture broad and grand,
Repeated his demand that I observe the land,
But gave no further nuance of behest.

I gazed upon the Earth, the planet of my birth;
Where my gaze stopped I felt emotions strong.
Few places had a dearth, too few were filled with mirth,
And rage’s mighty girth gave prejudice a berth.
But love and joy seemed nowhere to belong.

An angel caught my eye and sighed a mighty sigh,
And gestured for me, please, to step aside.
“You kill until you cry, yet don’t stop to ask why
The rage drives your outcry. You kill until you die
And glorify the deaths with wrathful pride!”

I felt no anger there, nor did I sense despair,
Just sadness -- so immense it blocked the Sun.
I felt my deep faith flare, erupting in a prayer
That burst forth in midair: “Life is love to share!
Rage and hate and killing profit no one.”

I turned around to see three angels grin broadly;
They shook my hand and laughed and called me brother.
Inside, buried deeply they’d found some empathy,
And prayers held in by me that emotions set free.
They said farewell and flew to find another.

Mick McKellar
November 2023

Young men dream of glory
Old men dream of peace

Mick