communion with my priest (warning, some language)

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Open Poetry #30

communion with my priest (warning, some language)

Estel
Junior Member

since 2003-12-10

Posts 22

0 posted 2003-12-14 09:04 PM

He first patted my back years ago at
the after-party. I seemed so young—
rat-tails were in, one of my teeth was not.

Black-suited, white collared, I had knelt.
“The body of Christ,” I vaguely remember,
and walked to my kneeler—holy child of God.

That collar, I bet he put it on every morning
around five. It was cool early in the day,
then hot in mass—he was a big man.

I wanted to be an acolyte, or carry the cross—
his beard reminded me of Jesus’ if I had
known Jesus’. He was such a big man.

Priests move on from parish to parish;
eventually he did—ripped a child’s heart.
He was my closest idea to God.

I saw him today for the first in a while.
Some Church get-together—
the kind to where even college-kids are dragged.

There he was, there we talked.
My eyes didn’t want to recognize him—
I was taller, but he still had his collar.

Yesterday, apparently, he was accosted
on the streets. [edited by moderator], child-molester.”
It happens often, he said, to most.

He cried, of course. I wanted to, but
I’m big now. So I patted his back.

****Note, some people have confused this with a poem about me being abused by my priest, as far too many children have. Far from it, this poem is me commemmorating my priest whom I loved/love and is a saint.****

[This message has been edited by Greeneyes (12-14-2003 09:52 PM).]

Goodknight
Member Elite

since 2002-06-15

Posts 2386
Ohio, USA

1 posted 2003-12-14 09:08 PM

you write of a special relationship with much warmth and love - too bad so many first thoughts these days are of the abuses of the clergy in churches...great poem - Paul

ThisDiamond
Member Rara Avis

since 2002-02-22

Posts 9353
Michigan, USA

2 posted 2003-12-14 11:26 PM

You have a striking mind to give this gem in such disillusioned times.
Appreciate the positives here very much.
ThisDiamond

iliana
Member Patricius

since 2003-12-05

Posts 13434
USA

3 posted 2003-12-15 12:35 PM

Thank God, for good role models! And, thank you for remembering for us!

JamesMichael
Member Empyrean

since 1999-11-16

Posts 33336
Kapolei, Hawaii, USA

4 posted 2003-12-15 05:34 PM

Nice writing...James

NewEnglandlazurlu
Member Rara Avis

since 2002-01-04

Posts 7470
A Mountain Paradise

5 posted 2003-12-15 08:08 PM

Thank you. I am an angry and emotionally hurt catholic who lives in Boston. Need I say more?!

Your poem was a real inspiration to me.
Thank you again.

Aimster
Member Elite

since 2000-02-19

Posts 4297
Charlotte, NC

6 posted 2003-12-16 09:16 AM

beautiful!
happy holidays,
amy

"love is like a butterfly--
if you chase it,
it will surely fly away,instead
hold it close and watch it grow into
something beautiful"
~me~

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