The Baltimore Catechism,
mornings at eight
Sister Marcella,
don’t ever be late

Its message didactic,
the devil to run
Each question, each answer,
with God zero-sum

Who and what made me,
and why every day
Resistance was futile,
dissent not displayed

An altar boy’s memories,
his sacristy torn
Still missing the process
—where freedom was born

(Saint Thomas of Villanova Chapel: December, 2021)