today he saw an angel traced in chalk

but didn't understand, didn't know--

 

"momma, what is that?"

"it's nothing, come along"

 

pull on his arm just a little harder

before he sees, before he knows

 

why he can't see her face even though

her hair is fanned out, on display

why the man is drawing on the sidewalk even though

he's not supposed to, mama said

 

no no no

follow the rules

don't step out of line, dear

don't step out of the box

it's not safe outside

it's not safe in here

be careful caution

no entry-- not allowed

 

they say she's six feet under

but she said that today--

she's going home.

she couldn't wait,

had to go right away.

 

she became an angel traced in chalk

 

no one could stop her

from flying today.

 

now we kneel and pray he'll never know.