Knife Angel

Knife Angel

What is in your eyes,

as you gaze down in sadness,

at those around your feet

who return your stare ?

You bear the weight of souls

within the blades you have saved

from deadly purpose

that inhabit your form,

in sinews of steel.

The blood of rust, tearfully,

cascades from blade to blade

as you sentinel dismay.

There is an unspoken plea

in the mouth of your hands

which speaks,

above the dumbness of metal:

dismay, futility

and the inevitability of nothing learned.

On your deadly feathered wings

you carry the mourning

of the life-deprived;

engraved names

whose uncompleted journeys

leave scars and wounds

beyond blood

in those who grieve.

I have seen you,

yet others pass by,

in unanswered conversation

and unmet eyes,

armed with discontent

honed to sharpness

and the cutting edge of fear

and pay no heed.