by david nader

Angels

I’ve seen them, wingless, on the ground, unbleached. I’ve seen angels.

I’ve seen them on the highway stop their luxury cars and get out looking great in 500 dollar up to dates not caring about the blood dripping on their sharkskin as they comfort wounded road warriors then leave without a trace.

I’ve seen them living in cardboard huts, sitting on straw mats, offering everything they had to strangers, knowing their kids would live on bread, salt and oil for the rest of the week.

I’ve seen them draped in leather and chains well armed with compassion not afraid to be gentle, unashamed of their tenderness.

I’ve seen them oblivious to rejection, risking popularity, a single child alone in the schoolyard, not backing down. I’ve seen them.

Do you see them? Going for broke, up against city hall. Just saying no to the blindfolded lady who has been intrusted with the scales.

Do you see them longing for love, behind bars, forgotten or demonized?

Do you see them waiting patiently, nonviolent, wondering when the nightstick will tire of breaking bones?

I’ve seen angels. They exist. They exist as scrambled minds with strong hearts.

They deal the bootleg with one hand and feed with the other, each aware of what the other is doing.

They exist on chance and circumstance, gambling with their lives, investing their faith in spontaneity.

They exist by keeping time with an imaginary drummer and a monthly check.

Have you seen them? Have you seen them holding the babies, comforting the children standing in the cold watching their house light up the night?

I see them all the time. They don’t fly. They’re not lily white. They live here.

© 1998 David A. Nader

about david nader:

"I have been publishing and performing contemporary urban folk tales for the last 4 years.

"To date I have published THE WAYSIDE PULPIT: urban folk tales, and CONGRESS ALLEY (BAT CITY PRESS). I have featured and performed in most of Worcester County's open mike venues. I have also produced 12 Spoken Word\Music shows including THE ABOVE CLUB, THE GREEN ROOSTER, WORCESTER COUNTY TRADITIONS, CONEY ISLAND HOT DOGS, FIRECRACKER AUTONOMY CENTER and STERLING MILLS ARTS CENTER.

"My focus is the importance of the everyday experiences that celebrate our not so ordinary citizens. I, like many other storytellers, believe "telling your own stories" breaks down barriers and challenges myths of the dominant culture (Corporate). People's lives make up a large part of the social-cultural fabric that is called history. It is important we tell each other who we are and what we have done so that we may offer understandings other than 2nd, 3rd hand, and imagined images from mass media."

David Nader read his work at the Folk 'n' Word Festival, Oct. 10, 1999, at the Green Rooster Coffeehouse, 6 Institute Road, Worcester, Mass.

Click here to return to the Folk 'n' Word Festival homepage.

Or here to return to Valerie & Walter Crockett's homepage.

Or send us an email.