It came to me in a dream,
in the instant,
between awake and asleep.

I saw God’s angels.
Saw them spread their golden wings,
and soar across the blue.

I saw them smiling –
their hair flying to the wind,
resting on luminous white clouds.

I heard their shining voices
rise to the Father
in heavenly praise; yes Him

who created man, and woman
to bring forth the fruit of their love.
For that’s how He saw eternity:

Through human passion, unending,
repeating the blessed cycle of life.

Then the angels’ voices faltered,
discordant, harsh; I turned to see
their faces crumble, their wings a cinder.

The heavens darkened,
and from the earth below,
jet black speared through the clouds.

I opened my eyes; it wasn’t a dream.
I was in hell, breathing its terror.

The faint voice of a child:
“Our Father…… please?”
And then there was silence.