R a y T e m p l e t o n
The Angel In The Uplight
Well, roles will change with time,
popular demand, and new technologies.
The ceiling, restored, no longer needs
that kind of bracing: load-bearing
ratios now measured to the micron,
realised in machine-cut steel. So
the angel stopped holding the heavens up,
aristocrat of the support staff—
demoted to ornamental duties,
painted up like a night out:
those fresh, glossy reds and blues,
with a modest little touch of gold.
Features garbled by glare and shadow,
he’s hanging in the middle of nowhere
with nothing to do: no fiery sword
to wave, and—best of all—
no sudden news to spring.
Contributors​​​​​​​​​​
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