P.A. Levy

Clipped Wings

thanks to the angels
it’s always spotless in heaven
they do the hoovering
and washing-up put things in their
proper place
prepare the meals for when
the saints come marching home

as they dry the dishes
the angels blaspheme
under their incense fragrant breath
they discuss
what the point of a virgin is
think
feather boas not wings
‘cos it amuses them to turn
virgins into scrubbers
for in their soul
they know
‘every whore was a virgin once’

to prime them for their future life
as angels
the virgins have to do the laundry
there’s no sin to wash away
but sometimes there’s a shadow of doubt
that needs a damn good scrub



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