I Know This Angel, by Alarie Tennille

Angel, by Abbott Handerson Thayer (USA) 1889

I Know This Angel
 
Cover girl for a book on angels,
she lacks the tight, stylized ringlets
of copper or gold, the jewel-toned
Renaissance robes, the look of hauteur
or boredom we’ve come to expect.
 
I recognize my college roommate.
She’s wondering, Am I really meant
to be here? Pioneer coeds, she was
the only one who surpassed my shyness.
 
I understand why the editor
chose her. One look and you know
she’ll stay by your side and face
whatever comes at you.

Alarie Tennille

​Alarie Tennille graduated from the first coed class at the University of Virginia, where she picked up her B.A. in English, Phi Beta Kappa key, and black belt in Feminism. Retired now, Alarie delights in having more time to read, write poetry, and hang out at The Ekphrastic Review. Her latest poetry collection, Three A.M. at the Museum, has joined her earlier books on The Ekphrastic Bookshelf. Please visit her at alariepoet.com.