“The same as it was
before I arrived …
Some better, some worse
some forever contrived”

“With good and with evil
my battle is done
A trumpet plays distant
His will zero sum”

A ticket to punch
with time ever slight
The Reaper approaching
and blocking the light

An Angel in transit
late for His train
My fate his arrival
or lost to refrain

The scythe drawing closer
its blade like an asp
raising in silence    
perdition unmasked

But tracks start to rumble
a headlight I see
Saint Peter as promised
—one Angel for me

(1st Book Of Prayers: September, 2023)