Thank you to Mark Antony Rossi of Ariel Chart for publishing my poem in the December issue.

https://www.arielchart.com/2022/12/better-late-while-devils-waiting.html

Better Late While the Devil’s Waiting

 

There’s a hole in the ozone

 

He figures that is his best ingress.

His decree was meticulously planned.  

He was seeking vigor,

hoping your heritage would be left behind. 

 

Your faith being strong.

Your occupation is worship.

That gives a better case to be made 

for you to travel on foot - 

away.

 

Sharply pointed grains of sand

bleed your soles.

You meander over rugged topography,

as he begs you to follow his caprice.

 

Answer quickly out of the whirlwind,

or not at all.

And with every resolve,

avoid any lengthy debate.

 

Follow that Messianic voice never lost,

be intrigued by love.

Do not languish here.

The egress leading to salvation is just beyond.

 

So curious is he

about your lack of sycophancy,

he sinks crestfallen into a dark place.

 

Your final stage of escape 

from his command

now well secured.