False Ceiling
The brightening sky
is the color of watermelon
close to the rind.
Clouds smile
soft but radiant
at the rising sun.
Later crocuses
offer the brilliant day
handfuls of unfurled bouquet
while snowdrops
white and pure
bow demure
in sweet deference.
No evidence in the pastel ether
of sovereignty or sphere
vying for control
of dark spirits
battling holy hosts
of Michael or Gabriel
challenged by the diabolical princes
of northern fiefdoms.
but the heavenly army
has an earth force
invisible but deadly missiles
rise flare
intercessions prayer
fired by saints
not lulled or forgetful
under the false ceiling.
Violet Nesdoly 
Sky “the color of watermelon / close to the rind” is a wonderful description and image, Violet. What a contrast that sky is with the imagery of war beneath “the false ceiling”.
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‘No evidence in the pastel ether of sovereignty or sphere vying for control of dark spirits
battling holy hosts of Michael or Gabriel challenged by the diabolical princes of northern fiefdoms.’ Dark imagery stirring fear until your last stanza reminds us of an invisible power!
The title is so fitting and thought-provoking too.
Thank-you.
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Thank you so much, Maureen and Janet! I was reminded of this poem (which I wrote some years ago) by a book I read. It’s interesting how our words cycle around, even for us.
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