Daily Archives: April 24, 2023

Rediscovering Glory

They unfolded
their copper wings.

Blue gems
threaded throughout.

Daylight against 
dark-polished amber.

Until now you did not remember 
that you’d seen them before
your birth, had stopped believing
they had ever existed.

Did you ever imagine
they would still be like this,
that they would again appear to you —
lowly you, humble you — 
in such sunset-wreathed glory?

Now they are here
for the moment and if no one
believes you tomorrow
you will again doubt yourself;
as many times 
as it has happened,
rediscovery will be
a new blessing each time. 


Optics

That flag is
an optical illusion,
more or less.

That it waves at you,
that it is friendly
toward you,

that it
covers you
with great sincerity;

that it is made
of colorfast
and quick dry fabric

to cover the coffins of
its chosen heroes 
with what looks like honor 

from here. Getting closer
is frowned upon and you will never
be one of their heroes if you do.

It’s just easier
to stand back
and admire it from afar.