Doug Anderson: Without Diplomas

They failed angelic studies

and thus wandered

the back streets of heaven.

You can find them

hanging out in Rumi’s Tavern:

not sad, they bear the stain

of human life with pride.

The angel of dumb luck.

The angel who somehow

gets drunks home without harm

even though they can’t remember

where they left their car.

Our Lady of the Compassionate Fuck

who keeps men from

wounding themselves in love.

And best of all, sitting at the end of the bar,

the angel who forgives anything,

helps you get out of bed each day,

and before you go out

to meet the brighter lights,

gives you her sweet rose glow.

Copyright 2017 Doug Anderson