USA

wsmayo@yahoo.com 

“And Angels Amongst Us”

Once, upon a day dark with umber,
I prayed to St. Fillian to give me grace
and the return of a sound mind.
As the oyster had long ago left its shell
and the pearl which remained 
reflected a light no man could see.
I tossed and turned upon my bed,
as the flames danced on the ocean
and all manner of demons
filled my early evening dreams.
My body quivered with despair,
my lips spoke a thousand forked tongues,
and I prayed again for solace from the cold.
Finally, in my mind’s ear,
I heard the saint speak;
surprising me with the warmth of his understanding.
“Be still,” he said.  “The shadow you keep is its own gift.”
From there, I walked forth proud,
a child of the night, seeing my reflection in every sleep.

© All Copyright, 2000, W. S. Mayo.
All Rights Reserved. Printed By Permission.