Why didn’t they tell us when we were children that when we die, we don’t become angels?
Why didn’t they tell us when we were children that when we die, we don’t become angels?
Instead, we sit in dark trees with crows eyes for feet waiting for the next call to a fleshly domain
Paint the ceiling of the wrap around porch blue so they know they can’t stay here
The whispering shadows on the walls play breathless games of ring around roses triggering the ringing in your ears
Reminding you that you’re never alone and heaven was only created so that you’d work harder for the monsters that live down the lane
who don’t give a damn if you live or die so long as there’s another body waiting in line to fill your place
I’d rather stay a crow’s eye whisper, making rooms in haint spaces
21 thoughts on "Why didn’t they tell us when we were children that when we die, we don’t become angels?"
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Great stuff. I look forward to reading more of your work this month.
Thank you for reading!
So powerful!
Thank you.
Sad stuff. I think people are angels in general or can be. Not sure about the other side of existence.
I think we are spiritual beings having a human experience, definitely.
What a great word, “haint” — I very much enjoyed this poem. Your images are so striking.
Thank you.
enjoyed it very much!
Thanks for reading!
The imagery in this is really cool! I really love the crow imagery!
Crows are one of my most favorite animals.
Samar, there is a boldness and kinship in what you say “I’d rather stay a crow’s eye whisper, making rooms in haint spaces” that reminds me of that last lines of Camus’ book L’Etranger when he talks of feeling a family bond with the stars (which reminds me always of ghostly spaces, their light ancient to us). I loved every inch of this poem even if I didn’t get it.
I will definitely put that book on my “to read” list.
Amazing piece. That last line, particularly, is striking and lovely.
Thank you for reading!
Bracing and haunting (hainting?), Samar. So good to see you participating. Looking forward to seeing you in person this month at the Writers Room.
Yes! I saw the invitation from a post of yours and said “why not?”
it is rare for a poem to bring tears to my eyes. This is very strong.
Sending warmth to your heart. Thank you for sharing.
I need to repaint the haint blue ceiling of my porch another color- to welcome instead of repel!
Wow.