At heaven’s high command,
a white-hot beam of purest light
penetrates time and space
to touch our tiny blue planet.
Silence is muted by the
wholly alien presence with
whispering whir of mighty wings.
Flesh crawls with palpable wide-eyed terror
as the dazzling creature of holy flame
fixes its piercing gaze on
a pale, trembling mortal.
“Do not be afraid.”
Surprising, melodious words
uttered by the molten-gold messenger.
But when he speaks again–
eyes lower, palms sweat, and
dry lips must answer with
the total stuttering truth
or risk disintegrating
in ashes and smoke.
a poem in my pocket 
Nov 30, 2018 @ 05:58:06
fear and trembling followed by a warm reassurance, a lovely reading for advent, preparing our hearts to receive blessings
Nov 30, 2018 @ 08:32:19
Yes!
Nov 29, 2018 @ 21:32:20
Beautiful Lynn. A perfect meditation for Advent. The reference to Mary and her fear and the heavenly reassurances that surround her give us hope for our daily lives
Nov 30, 2018 @ 08:33:30
Yes, we too are fearful and need hope!
Nov 29, 2018 @ 15:26:53
I like the dichotomy at the end of truth or ashes and smoke.
Nov 29, 2018 @ 18:19:53
Glad you liked that, Frank.
Nov 29, 2018 @ 13:46:17
This was a great vision… a sermon for us all.
Nov 29, 2018 @ 18:17:44
Yes, we should all come trembling in the presence of Glory. Thanks, Bjorn.
Nov 29, 2018 @ 12:04:13
Profoundly beautiful Lynn. As it applies to Mary, so to us each and every day.
Nov 29, 2018 @ 18:16:28
Thank you for your thoughtful comment, Victoria.
Dec 31, 2012 @ 18:46:15
Beautiful. great thoughts. Loved this.