angel

angel I wrestle
is myself in deep disguise
outward enfolding

each passing instant
revelation that is rapt
wrapped in new darkness

left in and left out
the consternation of doubt
whispers as it shouts

the inner garden 
flowers as silken as air
perfumed by despair

despair is the musk
that’s the bass note of hope’s
perfumed seduction

ache of my left hip 
is subtle as a snake’s bite
wishes it wasn’t

smooth intensity
fields a guile hard to capture,
causes injury

i hope old jacob
when you contended with god
neither meant gaza