The Concrete Seraphim -for the Blue Angel

 

Oh Angel cast upon this sullen hill

Gazing pensive, we fall still

The scepter in your hand come what may

will usher night and summon day.

Amidst decay and fallen shade

are lives cut short and debts repaid.

 

Your likeness calls unquestioned grace,

yet now I see the burns upon your face

Your sun bleached eyes render sad surprise.

 

Cruel time has come with a fiendish trick

Your world is fallen brick by brick.

 

Though your perch is wayward-and you've been

disgraced, you've still the smile upon your face.

Neither Raphael nor Gabriel nor Pinocchio's saint

your blessings granted yet none too faint. Though

they see a feeble shopping cart go by, we see a masterwork

caress the sky. We know you loom upon your perch and pray

and hope to claim your yesterday.

Though brick and mortar be your own

you've chosen this place for your home.

 

So as many bottles broken at your feet-

we still sing and praise the angel rendered in concrete.

 

 

C. Chris Cipollini 2014