Phibby Venable
A HEAVENLY GAME

I want to play with an angel
that I met in a dream
but he is in the middle of this
cosmopolitan game
bigger than the cosmos
Be right back, he winks,
and transcends the airways
calls over his shoulder
meditate!
So I am disconcerted,
wouldn't you know it
an angel with an attitude
and appointment books
Still, as an optimist
I call back ok
and turn to meditation
on candle flames
to find my balance
in the small, warm blaze
But that only reminds me
of fire and heat
So I study the moon
and the man trapped inside
rolls and lifts
his sweet yellow eyes
he says, an angel has fallen
outside of town
he is offering french readings
from a celestial game book
and playing strip poker
with the locals