Angels Amongst Us

By Jo Curtain

An angel dressed in yellow,
emerges like unfolding petals.
head – transparent strands of hair
her mouth an upturn crack,
serene lines of calmness on anaemic skin.

Shoulders – yellow crochet shawl
slender spindles in yellow socks
using a plastic white hospital walker
she does a pirouette in front of the sliding doors.
She is the patron saint of no more dying alone.

The elevator doors slide open
a second angel enters. She is famously kind.
White hair, clip-board she is sure-footed
in flat knee-high boots.
She shepherds a woman on our side of crying.

In her wheelchair crimson lines flare from under her gown.
The angel whispers I have scars too they remind me of who
I am and the strength within.
She is the patron saint of caring for others.

The third angel heaves herself into bed
I try not to stare.
She is wearing an orange woollen cardigan,
the same as mine.
I can see my mother in her oval face,
she has my daughter’s chin.
Our eyes meet knowingly and I smile.
She is the patron saint of everyone.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jo Curtain is currently studying Creative Writing at Deakin University. She is an emerging writer of short stories and poetry. She has a background in family violence advocacy and case management. She lives with her family in Torquay, Victoria.