Fallen Angel

To say her goodbyes, she was forced to wait,
'til final mourners long since departed.
Twin jet-black feathered wings shaken out straight,
forever alone and broken-hearted.

Celestial voyeur she'd once proudly been,
observing Mankind from Heavenly seat.
Had focused on one, much to her chagrin,
a pure, honest man, no trace of conceit.

His visage framed in a crystalline pool,
her window to the Mortal world below.
The Sisters of Fate can be so cruel,
she was thus smitten but did not yet know.

This tortured soul whose beloved had passed,
consumed by anguish; pain so exquisite.
Witnessing despair, she was so aghast,
his salvation became her requisite.

Shielded from the eyes of all on the Earth,
into his ear, she breathed words of support.
Angelic whispers gave meaning and worth,
that was her mission, her task, her purport.

As night followed day and day followed night,
the sun and the moon performed ageless dance.
Her efforts gave him, from grief some respite,
guilt-plagued as unwont thoughts turned to romance.

Love morphs the noblest of us into fools,
for utterly she was within his thrall.
If feelings confessed, she'd break all the rules,
just one option left: to let herself Fall.

Poised for a moment, instincts flittering,
golden halo clutched in unsteady hand.
Shattered to a thousand shards, glittering,
she sloughed off the remnants of divine band.

Presence revealed to him without restrain,
the object of her affections struck mute.
Sight of an angel made flesh on this plane,
his frail human mind just could not compute.

Burden of asinine actions immense,
no going back home, just personal Hell.
Unceasing vigilance for decades hence,
unseen at his side in locked padded cell.

Weary head lolled; terminal breath rattled,
his blank stare replaced by affirming smile.
The culmination of time embattled,
that moment worth her being in exile.

Ethereal form freed from fragile husk,
prompted streams glistening from both her eyes.
His final day on Earth had reached its dusk,
spirit joined that of his love in the skies.

To say her goodbyes, she was forced to wait,
'til final mourners long since departed.
Twin jet-black feathered wings shaken out straight,
forever alone and broken-hearted.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

(C) John C Michaels, 18 August 2017

For the "Fallen Angel" contest sponsored by Laura Loo.
(3rd Place)
Copyright © | Year Posted 2017

Poem

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Bocsa Avatar
September 4, 2017 at 11:08 AM
I like rhymes (especially eyes and skies, fools and rules, wait and straight, departed and broken-heartef), rhythm, good imagery and all stanzas as meditation on experience both personal and feeling of world:” Love morphs the noblest of us into fools,for utterly she was within his thrall./If feelings confessed, she'd break all the rules. Deep synchronicity:Like Pip In Great Expectations: ”I think she is beautiful and clever and...I must go home”.
Michaels Avatar
September 9, 2017 at 6:49 AM
Thank you for the wonderful and extensive comments!! Deeply humbled by the comparison with one of the great writer's works; much appreciated. All the best, John.
Kimathi Avatar
August 29, 2017 at 5:06 AM
Congrats John, for your WIN in the contest, with this fine piece!! ;-)
Michaels Avatar
September 1, 2017 at 7:31 AM
Thanks very much, Teddy!! All the best, John.
Sietesantos Avatar
August 27, 2017 at 10:38 AM
Just swinging back, my friend, to congratulate you for your well-deserved win! This is the kind of poetry that will be read over and over again! BRAVO! Hugs. Pandita
Michaels Avatar
August 27, 2017 at 6:54 PM
Aaawww... thanks so much, Pandita. As always, your kind and supportive comments are greatly appreciated! Kind regards, John!
Barden Avatar
August 25, 2017 at 3:56 PM
Wow, extraordinarily intricate and involved write, and such a wonderful story - love it! Congrats on your win, John!
Michaels Avatar
August 27, 2017 at 5:20 AM
Thank you for the amazing comments, Greg. So pleased you liked it! Regards, John.
Scars Avatar
August 25, 2017 at 6:45 AM
great poem dear John, thank you and congrats :)
Michaels Avatar
August 27, 2017 at 4:52 AM
Thank you for running the contest and for my placement! Regards, John.
Daniel Avatar
August 20, 2017 at 9:57 AM
Wow, that's a great story you've woven with your magical pen, John:) welcome back after a break:)
Michaels Avatar
August 20, 2017 at 12:14 PM
Hi Jo. Thanks for your kind and supportive comments. Regards, John.
Dietrich Avatar
August 19, 2017 at 8:12 PM
You really made a sad tale out of the theme, John. Love that imagery of the twin jet black feathered wings shaken out straight. And the ethereal form freed from fragile husk. good luck in the contest.
Michaels Avatar
August 20, 2017 at 3:48 AM
Thanks, Andrea. It just seemed to grow and grow, so was a much more involved tale than I originally set out to write, but hopefully it still delivered. Thanks for the supportive comments, as always. All the best, John.
Roper Avatar
August 18, 2017 at 10:00 PM
John, so very sad ,but wonderful :) good luck in the contest ~*
Michaels Avatar
August 20, 2017 at 3:45 AM
Thank you for your kind comments, Eve. Always appreciated. Kind regards, John.
Sergi Avatar
August 18, 2017 at 3:01 PM
Hi John: I am emotionally in awe of this elegant writing . I am sure you will score high in placement . Great Write! Thank you for sharing my Crazy God oldie.
Michaels Avatar
August 20, 2017 at 3:44 AM
Thanks for the great feedback, Ralph. Pleased that you enjoyed it. Regards, John.
Smith Avatar
August 18, 2017 at 2:49 PM
Excellent John, good luck :)
Michaels Avatar
August 20, 2017 at 3:40 AM
Thank you, Gary. Appreciated!
Sietesantos Avatar
August 18, 2017 at 12:42 PM
What a sad emotive piece that reflects the plight of a fallen angel! With your magical pen, you drew me into this angel's story. What an amazing read! I am sure this piece is bound to do well in the contest! Hugs. Pandita
Michaels Avatar
August 20, 2017 at 3:43 AM
Hi Pandita. Thanks so much for your wonderful supportive comments. Am deeply touched by the "magical pen" compliment. All the best, John.
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