i found then there
rubbing against the leaves
so that the nubs of their
wings were flush under their skin

and it seemed like dancing
as when we angels
praise among the clouds
but they were not praising You

i watched
the grass grow soft and rich
under their luminous bodies
and their halos began to fade

it was like dancing
creation flowered around them
moaning with delight     they were
trembling and i knew

a world was being born
i feared for their immortality
i feared for mine
under the strain of such desire

i knew
they could do evil
with it and i knew
they would

when i remembered what i was
i swiveled back unto Your grace
still winged i think but wondering
what now becomes     what now

of Paradise