The Prodigal Clippings
Can angels experience regret?
I’m thinking specifically of the
fallen ones, the ones herded up
and driven over the edge of the
clouds because of their mutiny?
Do you think one or two or three
of them might’ve enjoyed it for
a season, because c’mon it is fun
for a while, but then missed the
comfort of foursquare and pearl?
I bet they were welcomed home
with feasting and singing but I
believe there was also a price of
return: the prodigal clippings.
But, you say, what about grace?
Well, I say, ask them, they know,
for they are the angels of mercy.
Each time I read that, my breath catches at the end. Lurve.
Thank you, Gretchen. The end surprised me, really did.
I wonder about prodigal clippings, I do. Grace is gift and grace is good, but there is also a price somewhere along the way, the fallout of our own choices, yes? And indeed, that combination of grace and clipping – that makes for mercy in a person. Why not in an angel? Thank you, as always, for making me think and breathe deep for a minute or two.
Diana, I agree with you about the price…its always there isn’t it?
“herded up and driven over the edge” — spoken like a real cowboy! What a picture!
John, this is a mind-boggler. Never thought about angels repenting. Maybe… but I can’t think of anywhere in Scripture that tells us. But the idea of prodigal clippings seems to apply to humans, too. Those who have been “clipped” often understand mercy on a deeper level.
Hey, Bill, thanks for reading along. Yeah, I don’t think Scripture says anything about that either, but if they chose to fall it seems like they could choose to try and make it right, ya think? I hope you’re doing well.
I know this is a while ago, but this comment reminds me of this song/poem mix.
https://soundcloud.com/hitchrisback/oh-come-all-ye-faithful-2
At about 4:30, there’s the line which has always stuck with me:
“And if angels can fall
then why can’t devils rise?”
Thank you for your poetry. I’m the one who has been going through your archives, slowly, day by day. They are all beautiful and I have shared them on facebook many a time.
Hi. Thanks for the link, and for wading through the archives…and for sharing.
~ John
I feel certain some of them had regrets. I feel almost as certain that they were welcomed home. I’ve thought a lot about this recently. I just don’t have all of the words to explain it, but it all comes back to God being Love. If Love is everything that the Apostle Paul said it is, then Love forgives, doesn’t it?
Carolyn, I’ve a hunch love is everything Paul said and then some…thanks for taking a moment to write.
Grace is so wide, so encompassing; yet always, the most difficult one for me to forgive in myself…
“is” myself…
foursquare and pearl – really good. Keep up the great writing