deepundergroundpoetry.com
Sing, the Angel Cried
I will write a poem of thanks
To the unknown wall-builder within
Who says, enough of your discontent.
Asks, can you not hear
Angels on the wind, wings
Beating against your wailing self?
They speak in unknown tongues
And their unsandaled feet tread unknown paths.
For all that, cry out a song of praise.
Praise that today you have eyes to see
That you have walked down
A thousand paths that are but one.
That you have loved a hundred women
In a thousand different settings
Resolved into the beauteous final one.
Honor today rejected Hagar
Lift up the thirsty child
And make your desperate move.
A step, a line, a mistranslation
Of the ululation of an angel with broken wing
Fling dust upon your head, but sing!
Published 25th Jul 2022
| Edited 2nd Apr 2023
Author's Note
I was trying to praise another poet when—
Not everyone gets Biblical allusions. Hagar was a handmaiden who was abandoned in the wilderness at the behest of Sarah, Abraham’s wife. Ishmael is the son of Abraham and Hagar, and is Islam’s lineal connection to Abraham. Inelegantly put on my part.
The sculpture pictured is the work of the late Jim Brothers. His wife was a dear friend of 50 years. Jim was one of America’s greatest sculptors. His wife Nancy (former roommate) visited me in Honolulu in 1983.
Not everyone gets Biblical allusions. Hagar was a handmaiden who was abandoned in the wilderness at the behest of Sarah, Abraham’s wife. Ishmael is the son of Abraham and Hagar, and is Islam’s lineal connection to Abraham. Inelegantly put on my part.
The sculpture pictured is the work of the late Jim Brothers. His wife was a dear friend of 50 years. Jim was one of America’s greatest sculptors. His wife Nancy (former roommate) visited me in Honolulu in 1983.
All writing remains the property of the author. Don't use it for any purpose without their permission.
likes 3
reading list entries 1
comments 2
reads 401
Commenting Preference:
The author is looking for friendly feedback.
Anonymous
25th Jul 2022 9:45pm
<< post removed >>
25th Jul 2022 11:31pm
Such a lovely comment—Ty. Yes, I love the story of Hagar and Ishmael. We live in ominous times and I find these stories from my childhood in danger of being forgotten by an increasingly secular world. I, too, am secular and love the handmaiden of science, but w/o my spiritual side I would feel even more lost.
Virtual hug wings its way to you. Ty.
Virtual hug wings its way to you. Ty.
