Cherubim Etched in Gilding
Modern poetry modern verse contemporary poetry contemporary verse modern poem contemporary poem
Back then world was filled with gold, gold skies.
The angels’ wings were tiny, but they flew.
Two cherubim in gold attract our eyes,
Twin silhouettes incised. A virgin’s blue
And ermine robe and cloak are spread beside
Full angels, fully painted. Their small wings
Could never carry them or even glide
To where a gilt encrusted cluster sings
In heaven, even purer, purer gold
In unison or harmony, so pure
That it is more a gilded silence.
These consummations are made manifold.
Some sleeves of pink-touched orange that here are shown
Are painted only high on heaven’s throne.
~ Phillip Whidden
