Instructions for Angels – a poem by Rupert M. Loydell

Instructions for Angels

Don't trust the labels,
don't lose the plot.
Don't. Just don't.

Pay attention to the signs,
the way the wind blows,
to how the shadows fall.

Always read the small print,
say what you mean to say
and suffer the fools gladly.

Listen to the water.
Right the wrongs,
rewire the subtext.

Disconnect.
Put that light out.
Please mind the gap.

You must pretend you know
the answer to the question.
Once more with feeling.

Please arrive in plenty of time
for your annunciation.
Listen for the judgement call.

It is not theologically sound
for an angel to doubt.
You should hear yourself.

Grasp faith by the horns
and pick up the pieces.
Now is not the time to be lost.


    © Rupert M Loydell

Rupert M Loydell is a writer, editor and abstract artist. His many books of poetry include Dear Mary (Shearsman, 2017) and The Return of the Man Who Has Everything (Shearsman 2015); and he has edited anthologies such as Yesterday’s Music Today (co-edited with Mike Ferguson, Knives Forks and Spoons Press 2014), and Troubles Swapped for Something Fresh: manifestos and unmanifestos (Salt, 2010)