Hi Ann,
A great poem!
I'm not too sure what to make of the phrase "the enemy camp" (I keep 
guessing that it might mean all kinds of things - and I can't settle of any 
of them, and I feel it might be a tad too vague - an almost cliche or 
metaphor imported into the poem that isn't working as clearly as the rest of 
the language you use...)
I love poems that repeat words, as you've done here, with "Because"! But I 
know some people don't like it. What do others here think of the repetition?
Bob





>From: "V. W." <[log in to unmask]>
>Reply-To: The Pennine Poetry Works <[log in to unmask]>
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Re: New Sub 'NOT EXPECTING ANGELS'
>Date: Sat, 22 Feb 2003 06:33:06 EST
>
>  For an upcoming anniversary
>
>"APOLOGIES FOR ALL THE 'INGS"
>
>
>NOT EXPECTING ANGELS
>
>
>Because I love you
>with the childlike certainty of being loved.…
>Because having no plumb line to measure by
>I was not expecting Angels
>nor seismic occurrences
>nor rapidly moving solar bodies.
>Because that first time
>was like entering a safe room.
>Because even though I have worn your name
>longer than I have worn my own
>you still rush to watch me bathe.
>Because you tell me
>I smell of pineapple and plums.
>Because you come home each evening
>demanding food
>content to watch the slow cracking of stained glass.
>Because you deal with my hostility
>to leave me sweet and broken.
>Because when I watch you sleeping
>I am afraid you will not return
>from the enemy camp.
>Because when I pinch you awake
>you smile and say ... nothing.
>
>
>Ann Stockton


_________________________________________________________________
MSN Messenger - fast, easy and FREE! http://messenger.msn.co.uk