and then I saw the angels (malachim)

(sheltering a child crossing a busy morning street)

(it is written we may choose our better angels

who inhabit the trees and the stars,

the glowing mountains of paradise,

or, reveal the scribes,

we may choose the lesser, the inferior ones

who dwell among the hail and the reptiles,

the colossal thunder of perdition)

*******

Malachim:

messengers without names,

creatures of light and spirit,

conceived from beneficent deeds

balancing humanity’s capacity to love,

thus, gifted with laughter

while fearing humanity’s capacity to deceive,

thus, smitten by tears.

Malachim:

healers of our torment and scars,

liberators of our forever struggles

yet vulnerable to tears,

passionate warriors,

masters of forgetfulness,

hazzans of heavenly praise

yet savants of mindfulness.

Malachim:

cherubim without voices,

seraphim who sing eternal,

teachers with wings

and wingless servants pervasive,

revealers of divine mysteries

shedding wisdom and insight

while guiding us to make our own resolutions,

while inspiring us to practice and participate in our humanity.

Malachim:

seraphs embracing gentle relationships,

witnessing harsh conflicts

and testing our convictions and choices,

encouraging life’s necessary transitions

while conveying the language of divine energy,

forever steeped in intentional beauty,

 serenading our lives with joyful insights

for all circumstances.

Angels who steadfastly resist any malevolent and vengeful transgressor:

angels faithfully sheltering a young child crossing a busy morning street.

And the malachim forever remain obvious and evident,

hovering unseen and veiled,

living among us as graceful dancers or confused soldiers,

living among us both healers and destroyers

placid and mindful or stricken with insomnia,

just and merciful yet fearful and afraid,

praiseworthy and peaceful yet filled with terror and fire.

Each of us has been gifted a voice of free will to determine our way,

while the malachim,

God’s ultimate guardians,

remain steadfast to their covenant:

sheltering us all crossing life’s busy streets.