Angels Everywhere
My mother collects angels
on shelves, tables, desktops—
in every room of our house.
I asked her why so many.
She said they remind us,
angels are everywhere.
At first I didn’t understand,
then I thought of the man
on that scorching summer day
who stopped on the highway to help
when Daddy’s car broke down.
I thought about that lady,
someone we never met,
who quietly set a box –
(turkey and all the trimmings)
on our snow-covered porch.
I thought about Grandma
living two states away—
the neighbor who checks on her,
shovels her sidewalk,
mows her lawn, brings in her mail.
And the poet who came to our school
telling me my words matter,
filling my heart with hope,
making me believe
I can be a poet too.
There are people who give.
There are people who care.
My mother was right.
Angels
are everywhere
©Linda Kulp Trout
Angels have been on my mind lately. Maybe it's the season. I think of my mother every time I look at the angels on our Christmas tree. Mom collected angels and kept them out all year long. They brought her comfort and made her feel less alone. Back then, I didn't realize just how lonely she was. The older I get, the more I understand how hard her last years must have been. The angels on my tree remind me to check in with my elderly neighbors even if it is just to say hello.
And, I have always loved the song, "Angels Among Us" by Alabama. Every time I hear it, I'm reminded of the angels in my life who have supported, encouraged, and helped me in so many ways. Somehow they always show up just when I need them the most. They have given me so much without asking for anything in return. They fill my heart with gratitude and love. I hope each one of them knows how much they mean to me.
Speaking of gratitude, a big thank you to Jone for hosting today's Poetry Friday.
I wish you and yours a magical holiday season and a happy, healthy 2022!
Linda
