Our Better Angels
When we refer to people on earth who are angels,
we refer to folks who are generally sweet, loving and kind.
Anyone with any amount of decency
can be kind.
But what of those poor souls
whose lives are ravaged by war
or whose childhood has left them shattered
or paralyzed with fear?
What of children emotionally, physically or sexually abused
again and again and again,
who then (instead of turning to drugs or alcohol for solace)
decide to conquer the bitterness that must have consumed them?
There are special people in this world -
earth angels -
who do not let war, rape, or any other trauma define them
or destroy what remains of their life.
They walk among us, offering smiles to strangers
willing service or unsolicited and anonymous donations
to those in need.
Somehow they find a way to forgive the unforgivable
and to salvage from the wreckage of their tormented lives
an incredible fortitude of spirit.
Like the blade of a fine sword forged in the hottest fire,
they become stronger than those with plastic souls
who never experience real trials.
Unlike other people who experience torture,
they are able to rise above their feelings
of hate, self-pity or desire for revenge.
These rare spirits are stronger for what they have endured.
They radiate empathy, and surprisingly,
they wear a halo of cheerfulness.
They are resolute, for they know their purpose on this earth,
and it is divine.
Beautiful, rare and precious, they are
our better angels.
Copyright © Andrea Dietrich | Year Posted 2025
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