Do not spend
too much time
on the demons.

I know the waters
are rising.

I know the guard
is sleeping.

But know that undoing
is the devil’s game.

And all it takes
is to hold your gaze
until the angels
quit their singing.

Your game
is to prune
the roses.

Cultivate so much
beauty
and stillness
in your life
that when the barbarians
break through
and burn it all,
the demons will shudder
at the light.

The devil rejoiced
at the spotless Man
on the Cross.

But a mortal cry
overcame him
when he saw
that by his hand
was delivered
a perfect offering
to God.