ST MICHAEL AND THE DEVIL

When I return to my hometown of Coventry I always visit the Cathedral. I find it uplifting, a beautiful building celebrating peace, rising from the ashes of the bombed out St Michael's Cathedral, its ruins reflected in the magnificent glass wall of Angels and Saints. I always pause to gaze in awe at Epstein's St Michael and the Devil, illustrated here in a photograph by Chris Knight. 

ST MICHAEL AND THE DEVIL

Blessed Archangel, holy Saint,

I have come to know you as Michael, 

a little casual for a mighty warrior, 

protector of all who call your name, 

wrapping your winged cloak

around unguarded human frames. 

I find you in hidden churches,

stood in silent Spanish squares,

shining down through rubied glass,

in roadside crypts garlanded

with faded plastic roses, on a

bedside postcard of Epstein’s vision.

Michael in victory, speared warrior, 

proud browed, a mournful smile,

eyes saddened by Lucifer's defeat, 

feathered strength and bronzed grace,

watching over the resurrected St Michael, 

Cathedral raised from ashes in peace. 

© 2018 Jacqueline Knight Cotterill.  All rights reserved.