once as an archangel I fell
onto Paris streets
near the arc

a star at the juncture
where life meets death
having known liberty

I yawn and stretch
lick my lips cunningly
die for a cigarette

when did heaven’s floor break?
that’s when I fell

when did hell’s door open?
that’s when I came in

no wonder you can’t feel
the life within you
the light here is way too dim

when did grace cease to be?
that’s when I fell

wonder if I’ll ever get
to see the silver linings
of the clouds overhead

when did I fall,
when did earth cease to be?

that’s when I fell

just an archangel
at the arc triumphantly aching

Chagall 2020