Magdalene leaves
the confession box
after making
her confession
but without waiting
for the absolution
from the priest
which she didn't think
he'd give anyway
as she was unrepentant
of wanting and loving Mary
and she'd said too much
and walking fast
down the side aisle
of the church
past the statue
of the ******
past people on their knees
in the pews
out the back doors
dipping two fingers
in the stoup
and out into the street
looking behind her
in case Father Joseph
was following her
out of the church
like some hound
after prey
asking her
what did you say?
but he isn't
and she walks along
the street
her mind muddily
her hands in her pockets
her eyes searching
all who pass her by
will he know
who she was
who had said
those things
in the confessional?
will he seek her out
back at school
on Monday
and ask her about Mary
and her odd
affection for the girl
and was this Mary like her
in her wants and desires?
what about her parents?
what if he tells them
about her wants and stuff?
no he can't
what is said
in confession
stays in confession
let the fecking priest
soak in it
live with it
she says to herself
walking past shoppers
past shop windows
she wants Mary
wants her body and soul
not just bits of her
she wants her all
wants her whole.