Crimson Wings

Feathers,

Feathers smother the smooth bones
Of two wings

Long,
     Gentle,
           Ethereal beauty all around.  

Feathers,

Feathers crimson as a rose
Lying upon white bone,

Scarlet,
     Bloody,
           Slipping from the structure.

Feathers,

Had I magic in my veins,
I’d replace scarlet with white,

Pure,
     Holy,
           Glimmering like snow.

Feathers,

Though I would long to cleanse
You of your bloody wings,

Clean,
     Unblemished,
                 Fit for God’s friendly gaze,

No, I know I cannot.
For you, my crimson-winged angel,

Faulty,
     Broken,
           Cast out from heaven,

You are meant to be my angel,
And you are mine.

My protector,
     My treasure,
                 Mine and mine alone.