LUX IN TENEBRIS

An Angel to earthly realms descended, 

Heaven's light in her

heart enshrined. O'er meads she roved,

thro' woods redolent

of growth and perishing, for life's circle

to read, for mortal essence

to imbibe, ere 'pon her sacred mission 

she embarked.

Men and women this radiant being with

misgivings regarded,

for such light had they never seen, save 

in rarest visions of ancient

memories their hours of deep slumber

held - this they knew not. 

Sole infants and babes in arms laughed

and smiled in her tongue.

Into her embrace they hastened, bearing

gifts of garlands for her

long, golden tresses, revelling, flourishing

in her aura of eternal blooming.

Unwearying this celestial messenger her

mark stamped upon Earth's

darkest corners, hallowing hearts and

homes, fields and folds.

Such goodness, alas, oft with bitterness

meets. Envy and mistrust

in the guise of a woodsman's arrow this

gentle guardian's form pierced. 

A wounded Angel 'mong the roses bled

'mid shouts of acclamation 

for the doughty marksman. The land and 

its children he had preserved.

No cries uttered she, but wordless lay in 

Summer's arms, when, from

the wide blue yonder, feathered factions

gathered; doves her prone

form into the ether raised, as roses wept,

parted, for from her blood

an ever flowering shrub arose, for snowy

stars 'pon innocence to shower.

© 2015 Lily's Verse

Lilium Candidum

Image: LUX IN TENEBRIS

Source: commons.wikimedia.org

Artist: Evelyn de Morgan