Father,
forgive me,
for I have sinned.*
My skirt slides across the wood seat
of the confession booth.
I don't want him to ask where I've been
as I've been away.
I am back because these are worse.
I've laid my former confessions
to rest.
Father,
did you miss me?
He stays silent.
My throat clears.
I've been away, for awhile
He doesn't ask where I've been.
But I want him to know-
know that I've been gambling with
the devil.
Do you hear
those wedding bells,
Father?
I've been getting heavy with the devil.
Did you miss me Father?
Visuals of him biting his tongue
circle my head.
Father, don't
bless me
because I have sinned.
I'm a walking sin,
and Father knows this.