Woman on the EDGE

I’ve been waiting,
Oh, so long now
For the many-colored lights of sweet salvation
To a-hurry up and take me home
To heaven
I can see ‘em coming now—
And I will meet them, singing my celestial song of freedom
(Half-intended to offend their angel ears).
Oh, Hallelujah!
Bring me home to God
And write my name in the immortal books
As troublemaker, reigning chaos of the earth
No longer living
But just you mark my words!
I’m not done fighting! Couldn’t settle
Down for nothing, not the sort for harps and halos—
Takes more heavens than just one to let it out
And tame it down
So, lo, here comes an ANGEL,
Like some shining star of glory
Not too distant—not some far-off gem—
But bright and warm and real,
Where I can wear my native planets
Like so many diamond rings. I am the CENTER
OF THE UNIVERSE!
Don’t you forget it, 'cause I ain’t dead yet,
Just hold my hand
Until I go down laughing, scheming schemes and
Thinking of the tears you’ll all be crying
Once you read my will.

--Dedicated to J Lynn C