The Angels Were Generous

Patina of Shame

So much humiliation and blame
For long years I had heaped upon myself.
It covered me with a patina of shame,
like the dust on a forgotten shelf.
I laid down, much too weary to be,
Willing to settle for that dreamless sleep.
But an angel folded her wings over me,
For a time my soul was hers to keep.
Rousing herself from quiet stillness,
My guardian woke, greeting a new dawning.
Her wings moved, ruffling with gentle caress,
She disturbed the dust that dared to cling.
"Rise, child, for the shame you couldn’t see
Has faded as surely as your long night."
‘Twas my angel’s gift and she parted from me:
To disperse the dust and show me the light.