Michaelmas

The Archangel draws his sword across the sky
And legions follow in response to prayer.
Their wings translate them into octaves high
Beyond the ultimate reaches of the human ear,
Where sheep-dogs answering to the circling sound
Will lift their heads beyond their master’s voice
To seek the autumnal message all around,
And find confusion in their new-found choice.

But we can only see the trembling green
Of leaves about to turn to darker hues,
Surmise the reason for the breeze unseen,
Redoubling intercession at the news
From far away where miracles are born,
And learn how God has spared His Galveston.

29 September 2005

Footnote: One week previously, Hurricane Rita was reported to be heading straight for Galveston. A church group in London, undoubtedly among many others, prayed specifically for the area. By 25 September Rita had changed direction. Damage was much less than predicted. Were these two historical events related?