"Denying the Presence of Angels" by Kathleen Blake

Denying the Presence of Angels

If I were standing at the edge
of mirrored sea
where the sun shines sentences
and rain invites salty air
to come alive,
I would dance there.
If I were caught in prisms
of bending rays
at evening tide,
I would paint them
with one touch from your hand,
and frame them
with the praise of thunder
and not be afraid
to stand amid the storm,
and I would stand firm,
and I would pray there.
If I were promised a final rainbow,
I would become the color,
the red and the blue,
a wisp between the breeze
and sea spray,
as foam lifts my toes
and my arms gather overhead
to hold the last gift of time,
I would hold on,
reach out for you,
I would wait
and I would stand there.
If I were holding my last breath
dishonoring a chorus of angels
who call my name,
I would deny their presence,
and linger yet a while longer,
for one possibility of
reaching out across
the sea,
the wind,
the storm
and yes, even death
for one chance to thank you.
If I arrive at Heaven's gates
and find instead, a locked door,
I would remember the key
was given to my heart
where ugliness stopped beating,
and love is sweet cadence,
and all possibilities exist,
and I would remove the key,
unlock the door,
enter in,
and thank God,
you had not yet arrived.
And there,
I would wait for you.

Kathleen Blake

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