Sorry for the long period of inactivity; have been hectic with work and
stuff.  Does everyone know it is National Poetry Day on the 4th October.
Daniel Janes.

Thirty Six.

An angel can only hide in heaven
a devil in any crowd
for he wears

the colours of the moment
the expression of the mood
the footwear of the road
and looks only at the
traffic lights to ensure
that he is in step with

every passing soul
that must remain
un-aware of him.

Hell stalks the streets
as silent as the soldier
that takes terror in his sights
and as noisy as the marchers
that wish to reclaim the right

to put evil in its place
and all the while the
devils walking the
broad walks, the
avenues, the
highways,
roads.

Catch a devil on his own

and look him in the eye
and he will sell you
toothpaste or insurance
or perhaps a Hoover bag.

All he has to do is wait
for the followers of fashion
to enter his mall, arcade,
searching for a bargain
or perhaps, just an
indulgence or lampshade.

Angels never sell you
anything,
only the devil has
anything to trade.

The devil is a
store detective.
Eventually you'll pay

Daniel Janes
September 2001

NB: in the light of recent tragic events I should perhaps stress that this
poem is not trying to make any  political points and in no way comments on
events in the USA or elsewhere.  Its title derives from its number in the
current series I am working on.