“The Day I Saw An Angel Fly” lyrics

A bit late for World AIDS Day, but this song was written for it.  Blessings to all who are still fighting the fight – doctors doing research, nurses offering loving care, and the people who struggle each day to take their 1,001 meds. Don’t let the media fool you – AIDS is not easy to manage. Peace, Amy

The Day I Saw An Angel Fly (For Jeffery French)
Words and Music by Amy Barlow Liberatore, copyright 2001

In the 80s, on a big iron bed
My friend Jeffery, and a sign that read:
BODY FLUID PRECAUTIONS
The nurse came in and whispered to me
“Put on a mask and gloves – it’s for protection, you see”
And in defiance of the rules, I lay the gloves aside and wiped his fever cool
When it was time to leave, Jeffery tugged at my sleeve, and spoke of…

Angels, flying free
He said, Angels, they’re waiting for me
They’ll take away my fever and fear
They’ll give me wings and release me from here
We’ve all of us, angels-to-be… I hope you see them when they come for me
When I go and you’re missing me so, just turn your face to the sky
And say you saw an angel fly

So many years, so many goodbyes
Too many breaks in our family ties…
Sisters, brothers, friends and lovers
A little news of research each day, and in the meantime, we pray
We keep on working for the best
But when the battle’s lost, and someone’s laid to rest
Jeffery’s words come back to me… I close my eyes and I see…

Angels, all around; angels, on holy ground
They see my tears and soothe all my pain
They give me courage to face life again
We’re all of us, angels-to-be… I know I feel them when they comfort me
I’m not sure of too much in this world, but I know you’ll never really cry
Until you see an angel fly

Can’t remember where I learned to laugh, but
I know I learned to cry
The day I saw an angel fly

NOTE: Jeffery died a week after I told him I was pregnant with my daughter. His beloved Christopher made sure Jeff was able to stay at home and pass away in his own bed, in his favorite nightshirt. Christopher is still with us, and this song is dedicated to both of them. And no, I did not misspell my friend’s name! “G. Jeffery French.”

Also at my poetic heart and hearth: Poets United.