INTERNS

Since there are an infinite number of angels

Letting many of them go solved nothing;

There were still an infinite number left.

Nor was the problem of finding new work

For vaguely powerful spiritual beings

Skilled at delivering messages and praising

Easy to solve. St. Ursula, who had somehow

Survived the latest round of budget cuts

Along with all eleven thousand of her virgins

-- Each and every one of them a saint as well –

Set up internships. The Imp of the Perverse

Wound up with three angels shadowing him

Noting his methods, which made him nervous.

He found himself tempted to give good advice

To his clients, who had contracted for bad.

“We haven’t been good for you,” said Zafriel;

“Business is down since we came,” said Glaur

(Who had been a troll in a prior dispensation

But had been philosophical on finding himself

Winged and loudly singing Aramaic hymns in praise

Of a God in whom he did not fully believe).

“Yes, what do you need interns for?” said Blaufre

“You’ve managed forever on your own.

By far the wisest course would be to fire us.”

The Imp of the Perverse shook his head;

“Have you been paying no attention at all?”