Broken-hearted Angel

2007
The carved angels on external timbers of two of the oldest buildings in Diss date back to a time when spirituality was central to all walks of life, not just the craft guilds who probably sponsored these works of art.
The larger figure is on a corner post at No. 1, Mere Street, beside the market and representing, presumably, the Archangel Gabriel with a five-pointed star on his chest.
The other carvings overlook the town from Market Hill (formerly Pump Hill) and are on adjacent faces of a first-floor supporting beam and represent, on the left face, the Annunciation with a heavily pregnant Mary hearing the good news and on the right face, the Nativity complete with ox, ass and manger.
When Volkswagen screened their TV advertisement showing guardian angels made redundant by the built-in safety of their motor cars, I thought about our angels and wondered if they have to look after today's godless world - idiots like me, road-hogs, vandals and all.
What a futile, thankless, heartbreaking task that must be.

Verse 1

Angels guard our town

On Market Hill and

Down, from the top of Mere Street

They see it all

And let it happen

In your town, the same

We all play the

Game, think we know the answers

They see us fall

Seldom give assistance

But they show us many pathways

Echo in our conscience

Cobweb touch, a brief reminder

Time for us to choose

Angels see our route

Rapids we must shoot

As life’s river winds on

Its fatal course

Through the craggy canyon

Verse 2

Angels plan again

Options one to ten

And each one is different

No “right”, no “wrong”

Just a move more skilful

At last there is some hope

Signs that we might cope

Hear the spirit voices

Of those who love

Bound to see us struggle

Finally we heed the warning

And become less greedy

See the shadows turn to colour

Now, the light is here

Why should Angels care?

Care leads to despair

Crazy paths we’ve chosen

If Angels cared

They would be heart-broken

If Angels cared

They would be heart-broken