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Angels Aware (A Villanelle)
by Ryan Elizabeth
I’m not aware, but I believe the angels are— at least, from what temporary little there is to convey, the inexplicable extraordinary is never far. I caught a glimpse out the window of my west-bound car of something unimaginably beautiful at play. I’m not aware, but I believe the angels are. I’m on the verge of something, ‘neath the earth’s bell jar— I can see, as the burning sky’s colors surround me in the sun’s display— the inexplicable extraordinary is never far. I strain, when my eyes land on a distant, fiery star “How long?” like a hymn at the break of day. I’m not aware, but I believe the angels are. Unknown faces linger near, yet off the radar, amongst each silent prayer and fervent phrase: the inexplicable extraordinary is never far. Sometimes I weep there, in the front seat of my car, because is there anything left unsaid to say? I’m not aware, but I believe the angels are; the inexplicable extraordinary is never far.
Ryan Elizabeth is the daughter of singer-songwriters and the granddaughter of a master artisan. She writes to remind readers of the extraordinary within the ordinary, crafting contemplative stories that explore beauty in the midst of sadness. You can find her on Instagram @ryanelizabethcreative.
Photo by Jordan Steranka on Unsplash
I love villanelles. They're so enjoyable to write and to read. This might be the best I've ever read.
This is magical, filled to the brim with what C.S. Lewis called Sehnsucht.