the thought that suddenly hits you in the middle of the day

 

art by Moser

Today the Church celebrates the Guardian Angels.  I was looking for a poem about them that was not gluey or sappy, and I found this one:

Guardian Angel

 

by Rolf Jacobsen

 

English version by Robert Bly

Original Language Norwegian

 

I am the bird that flutters against your window in the morning,

and your closest friend, whom you can never know,

blossoms that light up for the blind.

 

I am the glacier shining over the woods, so pale,

and heavy voices from the cathedral tower.

The thought that suddenly hits you in the middle of the day

and makes you feel so fantastically happy.

 

I am the one you have loved for many years.

I walk beside you all day and look intently at you

and put my mouth against your heart

though you're not aware of it.

 

I am your third arm, your second

shadow, the white one,

whom you cannot accept,

and who can never forget you.

I was also looking for an image that was not sappy.  I wish I could find one with a small child in a school desk, making room on the seat for the angel, who is large and brawny and serious.. I can't find one like that, but here's a good one: