Bishop's Daughter (For Ellie)

Angels have a lot to commend them.

There was the time
at my girlfriend's that while we necked,
a new snow fell
and decked out her yard in white.

That night, when I stepped off of her porch,
the new snow squeaked.
The moon
limned all branches with halos.

Dark shadows breathed hard in the yard.

Now I stand on streets
and watch light spill from cold windows.
I have vowed that I
will make chaos my choice of conviction.

I have seen in the eyes of my father
his fear of death,
even after years of believing.

I try not to be more than human.
There is no pride left
if you must always ask for permission.

If your action's willed,
and angels take time to record it,
it is marked as tried.