Those Who Identify Diamonds

there are those who identify diamonds
inspecting them under a spectral light
so that they may more freely

crush them into diamond dust.
should we go quietly 
summoned under moonlight

or should we pray
all night on our knees about the new Gethsemanes
that we may be delivered

from such as these
should we leave overnight
the unbaked bread

the droning words they gave us to recite instead
of the ones that well from our own hearts
should we allow and allow and allow

the kingdoms of the dark.
how can I know
when my own crushed soul

is bleeding continually
God save us from the unseen petty tyrannies
from those who slaughter and yet

we are still alive.
my God how long all saints have cried have cried
under His crystal throne

sometimes I think the world is on the brink
and Jesus will come to see it all
hidden behind office walls

in the schoolroom, in the hall
everywhere the wolves devouring the sheep.
everywhere beleaguered people

failing to fall asleep for dread of the next work day
while those with invisible truncheons
wield their power

every bloody second of every hour.

mary angela douglas 30 august 2019




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