#1963
The crucifix
Was on the wall
Of the chapel;
It was a large
Crucifix that
Occupied most
Of the wall space.
Martha loved it
And visited
It as often
As she could in
The school hours,
Even though this
Was not allowed.
And one morning
During break time
She sneaked in there
And stood in front
Of whom she called
The crucified
And talked to Him
In soft whispers.
And old nun passed
And noticed that
The door was now
Open and went
In and spotted
Martha standing
Muttering to
The crucifix.
No pupils are
Permitted here
In school hours,
The old nun said.
Marha muttered
On quietly
As if the nun
Had not spoken.
I said no child
Is allowed here
In school hours,
The old nun said.
Martha then stopped
And turned around:
You know it’s rude
To interrupt
People talking,
Let alone one
Praying to Christ,
Martha uttered.
It’s the school rules,
The nun replied.
Martha turned back
To the large Christ
And said loudly:
The Crucified
Wanted me here.
But the old nun
Just repeated
Her prior words,
Giving Martha
A critical
Stare and stood there.
Martha then crossed
herself slowly,
And walked away
Giving the nun
A cold hard gaze,
And walked onwards
As the bell rang
For next lessons.
And she muttered
in a soft prayer:
Sorry I left,
But the old bat
Wouldn’t let me
stay behind there.
Feb 28, 2025
Feb 28, 2025 at 3:40 AM UTC
Early afternoon
by the pond
with that cheap
fishing rod
and poor worm
as bait.
I was waiting for you
watching the sunlight
play on the water's skin.
Ducks swam by
in slow motion.
Birds sang
in the woods behind
and over the way.
You showed up
and came sat by me
on the grass.
You said your mother
had kept you in
for chores until lunch.
The fish weren't biting.
The line unmoving.
You lay back
on the grass
hands behind your head.
I propped the rod
against a branch
and lay beside you
beneath the sun
through shade of trees.
You turned to face me
and I turned to you.
You spoke
of the last time
we came
and lay back
in the tall grass
and kissed.
I listened
seeing how sunlight
danced in your hair
and your brown eyes
and your engaging stare.
May 19, 2018
May 19, 2018 at 11:14 AM UTC
Miss Billings
rode her motorbike
into the forecourt
of the garage
and down the side
which led
to the workshop.
I watched her ride
her blonde long hair
pushing out
from her headscarf
and helmet
and her goggles
insect like.
I served a customer
who drove up to a pump.
Once the car
had driven off
after paying me
and taking a receipt
I went back
to the little
front office.
She came
to the office doorway.
Benny boy
have you missed me?
she said.
I gazed at her
with her flowing
blonde hair
and her glasses
with the coloured frames.
I looked at her
Marilyn Monroe figure.
Yes
I said.
Why have you
missed me?
she said
I am such
a ***** to you.
I like it when
you're around
I said.
Do you fancy me Kid?
she said.
I felt my face
redden.
You do
she said
in laughing voice
you've no chance Kid
and walked away
inside.
I hadn't said I did
but maybe I did
deep down
hidden from sight.
Sometimes in bed
late and dark
I snuggled down
with my image of her
and switched
off the light.
May 9, 2018
May 9, 2018 at 3:41 PM UTC
Magdalene dries
her hair. She got
caught in the storm
and rain and drenched.
Her wet clothes lay
limp in the bath. Mary
was drenched too
and was at home
drying out like herself.
They'd met after school
and walked to the park
and shelter and kissed.
None saw. Just as well.
The nuns at school kept
them apart with an eye
to danger of that terrible
sort. They got caught in
the rain on the way home.
Thunder and lightning
and down pour of rain.
Her hair is dry. She now
brushes it out. Her bold
mirrored self stands naked.
If Mary was there. They
could if she were and if
they had time or they dare.
Mar 29, 2018
Mar 29, 2018 at 12:27 PM UTC
I was busy at the garage;
you came to the garage
shop for cigarettes, you
waited for me to serve
the customer with petrol.
When I served you, you
said your bus to town
would be arriving in ten
minutes. I looked at you
standing there, the cigarette
between lips. You lit it
and inhaled. I remembered
our first kiss. That late
December one years before.
You thirteen and I fourteen.
Moonlight and stars above us.
You talked of your work, the
busy shop, moaning manager
and customers. You said you'd
met a guy while at work who
brings deliveries. I listened.
You left saying your bus would
be there soon. I watched you
go thinking of the kiss and stars
and bright light of the moon.
Feb 11, 2018
Feb 11, 2018 at 6:00 PM UTC
Magdalene watched
her father dig
from her bedroom window.
His cloth cap at the back
of his head, sweat on his brow,
mud on his boots
as he dug the sod.
Her mother was out shopping
with Mrs Moran, Mary's mother.
Magdalene looked back at her bed.
Had Mary there. Us lying there
kissing and touching.
Kiss me here, Mary said,
showing her small *******
with the light brown dugs.
Kissed and mouthed.
She looked back at her father;
he stood upright holding his back,
gazing where he'd dug.
If he knew he'd belt me one.
Secret love. None must know.
Sunlight shone through the window
with a soft flowing glow.
Oct 7, 2017
Oct 7, 2017 at 9:47 AM UTC
The house was quiet
Magdalene's parents were out
her da was away on the farm
and her ma was out
visiting a friend.
Mary was lying
beside Magdalene
on her single bed.
Do you want to?
Magdalene said.
Have we time?
Mary replied.
To be sure we have
Magdalene said.
She kissed Mary's lips
quietly she moved back
on her side
and gazed at the girl.
You can kiss better
than the Kelly boy
Mary said smiling.
They lay gazing at each other
shall we undress?
Magdalene said softly.
What if your parents come
and find us?
Mary said.
They'll belt your ****
Magdalene said jokingly
come on.
Mary listened out for sounds
birds sang from the garden
a cow mooed
from a nearby field.
On your head be it
Mary said.
They got off the bed
and began to undress
each watching the other
remove clothing.
They piled their clothes neatly
on the dressing table
and climbed into bed.
Your hands are cold
Mary said
as Magdalene touched her thighs.
Let me warm them
Magdalene whispered.
They kissed and hugged
then after 5 minutes
there was a knock
on the front door.
Who the **** is that?
Magdalene said
getting out of the bed
and looking out
the window
at the front door below.
Who it is?
Mary asked sitting up
holding the sheet up
to her small *******
The fecking postman
Magdalene said.
She grabbed her
dressing gown
and went downstairs.
Mary got out of bed
and stood gazing out
the window.
The postman said something
and the door closed.
Magdalene came back
up the stairs
parcel for me ma
best get dressed in case
me ma comes back sooner
Magdalene said
disappointedly.
So they got dressed
and went down stairs
and went in the kitchen
and made tea
and sat at the table.
A few minutes later
her ma came in.
You are back early
Magdalene said.
My friend
didn't show up
her ma said
what you two girls
been up to?
Nothing just having tea
and a chin-wag
Magdalene said
keeping images
of her and Mary
naked in bed
locked up
in her head
Aug 24, 2017
Aug 24, 2017 at 2:41 AM UTC
And Magdalene had taken
down the crucifix above
her parents' bed and dusted
it off with a yellow duster
and got the cobwebs off and
looked at the Christ nailed
there through hands and feet
and a crown of metal thorns
about his plaster head and she
remembered how Martha her
school friend had a fixation
with the Crucified as she called
him and once took a crucifix
to bed with her because she
wanted to be a bride of Christ
and her mother had told her off
for it she took the Christ over to
the window to see better in the
daylight and the Christ looked
old as if it had been around many
centuries she blew over it blowing
away minute particles she carried
it back climbed on to the bed and
put it back settled it straight then
stood there and bounced on her
parents' double bed a little she
wished she could bring Mary on
it wished they could make love in
it that would be a thrill the thought
that it was her parents' bed and they
might be home at anytime and be
caught she climbed off the bed
carrying the thought with her the
Christ looked down at the bed
hanging there how great a love it
must be to have your son nailed
there and still have the ability to
love mankind she mused something
she herself would not have or refused.
Jul 28, 2017
Jul 28, 2017 at 3:09 AM UTC
Martha stood
on a wooden chair
to reach the crucifix
on the wall
of the old chapel.
She was dusting
with a yellow duster
(brought from home)
to wipe away
the dust
and cobwebs
attached to the crown
of thorns
of the Crucified
and those about
His beard.
Waaat are ye at?
Martha
a nun said
behind her.
Oi'm dustin'
Martha replied
looking around
at the nun.
*** down
dis once
the nun said
pointing
a thin finger.
But our Lord
is dusty an' full
av cobwebs
Martha said
turning her head
back to the Christ
wiping about
His beard.
Oi said nigh
the nun said firmly.
Martha sighed
and stepped off
the chair
which creaked.
Discipline
is the first tin'
if yer want
ter be a nun
Sister Luke said.
Martha looked
at the nun
yer Lord looked
so sad dare
covered wi' de webs
she said.
Enoof
av yisser blather
the nun said
on yisser way
ter class.
Martha looked
at the Christ
then walked out
the chapel
leaving the nun behind
musing on being a nun
it turning over
in her mind.
Jul 9, 2017
Jul 9, 2017 at 2:17 AM UTC
Mary undressed
for her Friday bath.
The water was steaming
steam rose
to the off-white ceiling.
She dipped in a foot
withdrew it again.
Feckin' 'ot.
She turned on
the cold water tap.
It cooled down
the water.
She turned off the tap
and put in
a foot again.
That's better.
She climbed
in the bath
and sat down.
Water reached
her small taut *******
Luk at de sight
av dem.
Two love bites
stained one breast.
Magdalene's work.
She picked up
a pink sponge
and soaped it up.
Washed her
neck, arms,
******* and down
between thighs.
Nuns an' their
blather.
Buff an' blister
Thomas an' 'er
ideas for lent.
She wished the nun
would go to holy Rome.
She soaped
her *** standing up.
Magdalene
wud love dis.
She sponge down
with water washing
the soap off.
A love bite on her
right thigh high up.
Magdalene
lipped her
and kissed her.
That time
at Magdalene's
parents' house
while they
were out shopping.
Both naked
on the bed.
Nip as babes.
Mary stepped out
of the warm bath.
She grabbed
a white towel
began to dry herself.
Wish Magdalene
wus here nigh.
Ruba-dub-dub.
Once dried
she stood and gazed
at herself
in the mirror.
Jist loike Eve.
That time
at Magdalene's house
lying abed
with a thousand thoughts
going round
in her head.
Jun 23, 2017
Jun 23, 2017 at 2:23 PM UTC
Your da was in a mood
he'd received a letter
from the nuns at school
that you'd been insolent
and had been
punished for it.
Can't understand ya
he said
brought up
a good Catholic
and you behave
like this
I'd give ya
ma hand
but I don't think
it'd be any good.
He stormed out
to the garden
and took it out
on the vegetable bed
with his *****
Now you've got him
in a mood
and it'll be me
that has to get him
calmed down
your ma said
just because you
want to act
the big lady.
She went into
the kitchen
and banged
pots and pans about
and moaned to herself
You went
to your room
and shut the door
**** the nuns
you muttered
and lay on your bed.
You had Mary
on this bed
a week or so ago
you and she
doing things
that'd make
your da's eyes
pop from his head
and his jaw
dropped like
a dead donkey's tool.
You kissed your arm
pretended it was Mary
she lying there
beside you
her snugly body
close to yours.
Downstairs
the slamming
of doors.
Jun 12, 2017
Jun 12, 2017 at 3:17 AM UTC
I told the priest
I wanted to be a nun.
He didn't smile at me
like Sister Bridget had done
when I told her
as if I’d told her a joke.
Sit down Martha
he said.
I sat down in the room
in the priest's house.
It smelt of polish
and pipe tobacco.
He had dark curly hair
and blue eyes
and a wide mouth.
He asked me
about my wanting
to be a nun
why and when
I first felt
the calling.
I told him
I loved the Crucified
loved seeing Him
and talking to Him often.
The priest looked at me
his eyes large
like cob-stoppers.
He said
I was too young yet
no religious order
will take a girl of 14.
I will be 15 soon
I said.
He raised
his thick eyebrows
and said
I’d have to wait
until I was at least 16.
**** me I mused
that's too long.
I never said
that to him
just put on
a disappointed face
like I do
if me ma tells me
to make me bed
and tidy me room.
If you have
a vocation
then you are
blessed by God
so you must wait
and study
and pray
he said.
When I crossed
over me leg
and showed
me thigh
he went red.
May 30, 2017
May 30, 2017 at 3:38 AM UTC
Sister Martha
stopped me
in the corridor
of the school
her features fixed
in a hard gaze.
Girls are not
to run or rush
in the corridors
Mary Macquire
the nun said.
I stood
and gazed at her.
I am late
for my next lesson
I said.
I do not care
you are not to run
in the corridor
she said.
I was going
to be late
as the old bag
was going to
keep me there.
I want you
to walk back
to the beginning
of the corridor
and walk to where
I stand
she said.
I sighed
and walked back
to where
I began to run
and walk
towards her.
She stood there
staring at me
her hands hidden
from sight
like some magpie
perched there.
Once I reached her
she said
next time you
come along
the corridor
remember to walk.
I said I would
and she let me go on
walking slow
and not rushing
in case she made me
walked it again.
I never
looked back
I walked past
the holy pictures
on the walls
the statue of the ******
flowers at her feet.
Once I was
out of sight
of the nun
I stuck two fingers up
in her direction
and walked on
to my next lesson
now late.
Getting an excuse
in my mind
like trying to explain
the colour of the sea
to one born blind.
May 6, 2017
May 6, 2017 at 4:48 AM UTC
Sister Bridget
slammed her ruler
over the palm of my hand
her features cold and stiff
as she did so.
I let no emotions show
in my features.
The sting came
and remained like a stain.
She did it three times
on each palm
then let my hands
fall at my sides.
She stared at me
that Magdalene
is what happens
when you act
as you have
she said
go and sit down.
I walked back
to my desk
and sat down
next to Mary.
I will not have
such behaviour
in my class
while I am trying
to teach
she said.
The other pupils
in class
stared at me briefly
then stared at the front
and the nun who walked
back and forth
in front
of the black board
like a lioness
looking for more prey
to feed her emptiness.
Are you all right?
Mary whispered
leaning close to me
staring ahead to see
where the nun
was looking.
Silly old cow
Mary whispered.
I'm ok
I said
sensing the sting
still there
but keeping
my emotions in check
as I did as a little girl
after my father
had slapped me
in one of his
drunken rages.
I sensed
Mary's hand
touch mine
under the desk
she stroked them.
I wished we were alone
and I could kiss her
as we had
a few days ago
in my room
when my mother
was out.
The nun yakked
on about St Paul
and his voyages
and how
he nearly drowned.
I wished the old bat
would hang herself
with her rosary
or drown out
in some deep sea.
Apr 18, 2017
Apr 18, 2017 at 9:52 AM UTC
Martha closed the door
of the side chapel.
Sunlight shone through
the coloured glass
onto the statue
of St Therese
and on the crucifix.
She stared at them both
it was so quiet
she felt she could hear
her heart beating.
She walked
to the Crucified
and touched His feet
with her fingers.
Looking up
she could see
His half closed eyes
looking down at her.
St Therese
looked down
at the floor
eyes unmoving.
Martha kissed
the nailed feet
felt the cold plaster
stood back
looked at His hands
nailed wide
hands making claws
in their agony.
The door opened
behind her
the old nun
who walked with a stick
entered and said
what are you doing
in here Macquire?
Martha turned around
and gazed at the nun
contemplating our Lord
she replied.
Girls are not
to be in here
the nun said
now go.
Martha looked
at the crucifix
and said
see you later
and walked past
the nun taking in
her aged face
as she did so.
She walked down
the passageway
the nun's clickedy stick
following behind
sounding like one
who was blind.
Mar 20, 2017
Mar 20, 2017 at 4:17 AM UTC
The nun stopped her
in the corridor
Magdalene need
a word with you
the nun said.
What word would
that be Sister Bridget?
the girl said.
A word of warning
follow me to the office
the nun turned
and walked back
the way she had come.
Magdalene followed
watching the nun
in front of her
how sexless she was.
The nun opened the door
of the office and held
the door open
so that Magdalene
could walk in
then she closed the door
and sat at the desk
and indicated
for the girl
to do likewise
opposite her.
It has been brought
to my notice that you
were seen with Mary Moran
in the girls' toilets
what have you to say?
Not unusual for two girls
to go to the girls' toilets Sister
Magdalene said.
The nun stared
not both
in the same cubical
the nun said stiffly.
Magdalene stared
at the nun
who'd say such a thing?
we were not
in the same cubicle
we were in adjoing cubicles
Magdalene said.
The nun gazed at her
you were both seen
coming out
of a cubicle together
the nun affirmed.
Magdalene looked
at the nun
at the pinched features
the nose
the black and white habit.
That was afterwards
I just went in there
to talk with Mary
Magdalene said.
You were heard
whispering in
the same cubicle
the nun said
eyeing the girl.
You are not
to be in the same cubical
with the Moran girl
at any time at all
do you understand me?
The nun said firmly
if I hear of this again
I will be having words
with both of your parents
and the priest understand?
Magdalene nodded
yes Sister Bridget
she said.
The nun stared at her
off you go
and remember
what I said.
The girl got up
and looked at
the large crucifix
on the wall above
the nun's head
and wish her with piles
or one day dead.
Feb 24, 2017
Feb 24, 2017 at 3:32 AM UTC
The young priest
sat in the chair.
Martha sat opposite
across the desk.
The priest gazed
at the girl,
uncomfortable
with a young girl;
he wished the old priest
could have been there.
So how can I help?
He said,
looking away
from Martha,
eyeing the desk top.
Martha stared at the priest;
he was the young one,
white as flour,
in his black gown
and white collar.
I want to be a nun,
she said.
A nun?
He said,
lifting his eyes
to gaze at her.
Martha looked up
at the large crucifix
on the wall
above the priest.
The Crucified's eyes
half closed or half open
depending how you looked,
she mused.
What sort of nun?
The priest said.
An enclosed nun,
Martha said,
not looking away
from the Crucified.
The priest gazed at the girl
whose eyes were staring
above his head.
Do you think you
have a vocation?
He asked.
The nails
in the Crucified's hands
were rusty or painted
a ***** brown.
Of course,
Martha said,
I wouldn't be here
otherwise would I.
The priest looked
above his head
and saw the huge crucifix
which the girl
was staring at.
Have you spoken
to any one else about this?
The priest said.
I spoke to one
of the nuns and she said
to come see you,
Martha said.
The priest lowered his eyes
to the girl: she seemed
serious if a little odd.
I see,
he said,
have you decided
on which order
you wish to join?
Martha looked away
from the plaster Christ:
not yet maybe the Bendictines,
she said,
staring at the priest
and at his watery blue eyes.
Maybe you should pray
and ask Our Lord
for guidance,
the priest said.
I do,
Martha said,
taking in a slight blemish
in the priest's cheeks.
I been talking to Him,
she said,
for weeks and weeks.
Jan 18, 2017
Jan 18, 2017 at 2:35 PM UTC
The old priest
toddles up the side aisle,
sways slightly side to side,
goes past Mary's chapel.
You watch him
from the pews
waiting for confession.
Old Mrs O'Connor's
next in line;
bet she'll be there
for a week or so.
You kneel down
on the knee rest
gaze at your knees.
The priest enters
the confessional,
closes the door;
silence.
Mrs O'Connor
lifts herself
from the pew,
wanders into
the confessional
closes the door
after her.
You sit back
on the pew.
The young priest
is down at the altar,
a nun helps him
fiddle with stuff.
Magdalene hasn't come.
What to say?
What not to say?
Bless me Father
I've been having it off
with Magdalene Murphy.
An old codger comes
into the pew,
kneels down
closes his eyes.
You sigh,
kneel down,
close your eyes,
put in a Pater Noster
and an Ave.
The door
of the confessional
opens,
the O'Connor bag
comes out.
It is you next,
so rise up,
go in, ready
to spill the beans
of sin.
Dec 18, 2016
Dec 18, 2016 at 8:41 AM UTC
Martha's gone home,
Magdalene watches her go
from her bedroom window.
She got a kiss
nothing more
not from Martha,
unlike Mary
who was up for it.
Martha had been fascinated
by the crucifix
above Magdalene's bed,
had climbed on the bed
and touched
the Crucified's feet
(Magdalene had been tempted
to embrace Martha's legs,
but didn't).
Martha's out of sight;
the record player
is silent now,
the Billy Fury LP
is unmoving.
Wish Mary was here,
Magdalene muses,
feeling hot and bothered now;
two empty glasses
sit on the bedside table,
the ashtray has
cigarette butts lying there.
The sky is cloudless.
Her mother comes in
the front gate
carry shopping bags.
Magdalene tidies up the bed
and hides the glasses
under the bed,
and goes down the stairs.
Her mother is in the kitchen,
bags on the table.
What you been up to?
The mother says.
Nothing,
Martha was here,
Magdalene says.
What did she want?
The mother asks.
Talk and listen to music,
Magdalene says.
She's the one
who wants to be a nun
isn't she?
Yes so she says,
Magdalene says.
The mother puts
the shopping away;
Magdalene helps her,
wishing it had been Mary
in her bed
them at it.
The mother sighs
and sits in a chair:
put the kettle on
I need a drink.
Magdalene does
as she's told;
she thinks her mother at 42
is old.
Nov 13, 2016
Nov 13, 2016 at 3:24 PM UTC
Do I know Martha?
Sister Ruth said,
of course I do,
Father, why did
you ask?
Father Bede
looked at the nun:
she came to me
in church
and asked me
a number of questions
about Our Lord
and how tall he was
and what colour eyes
and hair he had,
the priest said.
What's so odd
about that?
She said.
Well she also
asked me
that if a boy
should ask her
about having...
he couldn't get
the word out,
not with
the good sister
standing there.
Sister Ruth eyed him:
*** She said.
Yes, that's
that word,
if a boy
asked her
should she
tell him to...
he fumbled
for the word
Martha had said,
but instead said:
go away,
and I was so
flummoxed
that I said yes,
the priest said,
reddening,
looking at his hands,
not the nun.
Sounds like Martha,
I supposed she said
something less pure?
The nun said.
The priest nodded:
is she all right?
He said.
Well she's not quite
the ticket,
but she's harmless,
the nun said.
She wants
to be a nun?
He said.
So she does,
Sister Ruth said,
but she's as much
chance of that
as me being
Miss World,
the nun said
smiling.
But she seems
so keen on being
a Bride of Christ
is there no chance?
Father Bede said.
The bishop wouldn't
have her in
this congregation
but who knows
elsewhere they might,
the nun said,
eyeing the young priest
noting his
reddening features
and his fine head
of hair,
then said:
how long are you
here as curate?
He looked at her:
don't know,
until the bishop
moves me on,
Father Bede said.
If you see
Martha again
tell her she'd make
a good nun,
I guess we must not
dissuade her
from a possible
God's calling.
He nodded
and looking out
from the convent
doorway,
he noticed
rain falling.
Oct 10, 2016
Oct 10, 2016 at 3:59 AM UTC
Seamus hopes
that the girl
Moran will
(he's heard she
maybe will)
have a touch
and a kiss
maybe more
he sees her
by the fence
standing there
moodily
other kids
going home
from the school
walking past
the wire fence
she sees him
approaching
his swagger
the dark hair
snotty nose
how are ya?
Seamus asks
who's asking?
Mary says
eyeing him
her satchel
by her feet
you now me
I'm Seamus
he replies
taking in
her fine eyes
her small bust
what you want?
Mary says
walking on
he follows
how about
you and me
meeting up?
Seamus asks
we've met up
I mean some
place after
school where we
can do things
Seamus says
what you mean
by do things?
Go to church?
Kiss a nun?
Go visit
the sick ones
or the poor?
Mary says
monotone
I thought of
something more
Seamus says
maybe us
touching up
kissing such
I'd rather
smell a pig's
foul behind
than kiss you
or let you
touch my skin
Mary says
her voice hard
(thinking of
Magdalene's
hands on her
and kissing
a day back)
up you then
***** teasing
Moran girl
fecking ****
he walks off
*********
signs to her
hope you get
warts on yours
Seamus Doyle
Mary calls
after him
she walks on
home from school
muttering
to herself
fecking fool.
Sep 5, 2016
Sep 5, 2016 at 6:26 AM UTC
Magdalene
shows her room
to Martha
(her parents
said not to
bring Mary)
Martha stares
at the walls
sees a small
crucifix
above a
single bed
glad you got
Jesus here
Martha says
Magdalene
looks at her
in a long
black slim dress
hair cut short
you still want
to be a
****** nun?
Magdalene
says to her
bride of Christ
I'd call it
Martha says
turning round
and looking
deep eyed at
Magdalene
want a drink?
what you got?
gin all right?
make it large
Martha says
no need to
**** around
half measures
Magdalene
pours two gins
both large ones
want music?
who you got?
Bill Fury
or Elvis?
Fury's best
Martha says
sitting down
on the bed
Magdalene
puts on the
Fury disc
then sits down
by Martha
both girls sip
their large gins
what would you
say if I
kissed you once?
Magdalene
says softly
just the once?
unless you
wanted more
why kiss me?
thought Moran
was your one?
like you both
equally
(though Mary
was more hers
sexually)
its a sin
you know that?
Martha says
just a kiss
no sin there
don't want to
go further
Magdalene
informs her
(lying through
her back teeth)
further what?
Martha asks
I don't want
bed you here
(fecking liar
her mind says)
why bed me?
I'm not one
for sleeping
in the day
Martha says
she sips gin
and ignores
Magdalene's
hand touching
her plump thigh
Christ sees us
sees all things
Martha says
Mary says
that some times
Jesus turns
a blind eye
does he now?
Martha asks
that Smithy
boy tried to
get his hand
underneath
my school skirt
I thumped him
on his nose
Magdalene
informs her
did it bleed?
his big nose?
on his white
fecking shirt
just one kiss
on the cheek
Martha says
taking off
Magdalene's
hand from her
plump warm thigh
finishing
off her gin
with a sigh.
Aug 3, 2016
Aug 3, 2016 at 2:46 AM UTC
Rosary
*********
Martha sits
in the church
eyeing up
the young priest
who's just come
tall and thin
and dark haired
in the front
pew praying
she watches
no longer
*********
the dark beads
getting up
from her pew
she walks down
to the priest
kneeling there
taps his black
cloth shoulder
excuse me
Father Bede
(she'd heard his
name mentioned
in the school)
the young priest
opens his eyes
stares at her
(he's nice eyes
she muses)
what is it
my young child?
the priest asks
sitting back
on the seat
Martha sits
beside him
do you know
just how tall
the Christ was?
she asks him
the tall priest
looks at her
looking for
a punchline
some meaning
no idea
probably
6 foot so
he tells her
quite tall then
she mutters
tall as me
no taller
he informs
her priestly
and had beard
and moustache?
she asks him
he studies
her two eyes
soul's mirrors
he's been told
probably
black and long
he tells her
why'd you ask?
he asks her
I'm to be
when older
one of his
many brides
Martha says
I love Him
think of Him
all the time
Father Bede
lends a smile
o that's good
(wondering
to himself
if the girl's
the full pack)
but do I
if some prat
of a boy
asks for ***
tell him to
go **** off?
she utters
sincerely
Father Bede
blushes so
puts the word
from his ears
best he can
remain pure
for Our Lord
as His bride
he informs
red in face
so I will
Martha says
and walks off
swaying hips
the thin priest
watches her
walk away
red faced still.
Jul 25, 2016
Jul 25, 2016 at 1:14 AM UTC
Magdalene Murphy carved
Her initials and those of
Another, into the bark of an
Oak tree, with the penknife
She stole from her father’s
Toolbox in the shed. He’d
Not missed it, least not yet,
And if he did then she’d have
To watch her backside for
The hard slap of his hand. She
Guessed those who saw the initials
In years to come would wonder
Whose they were and what love
They signified and between whom.
They’d never guess it right, only
She knew; even the owner of the
Other initials didn’t know of the
Love felt or if she did, she never
Said or gave hint to Magdalene.
The carved initials seemed almost
Set in stone; a permanent reminder
To the world at large, that one loved
Another once with sufficient passion
To want to carve the initials so and
In such a wilful laboured fashion.
Jun 9, 2016
Jun 9, 2016 at 1:41 AM UTC
The boy Sean
watches her
by the bogs
*** smoking
short skirted
with some girl
I'll chance it
he muses
walks over
cockily
to them both
oy Moran
how's about
you and me
have a talk
the girls stare
what the ****
do you want?
Mary says
just a talk
just us two
Sean suggests
eyeing them
I'll go now
Magdalene
tells Mary
and goes off
Sean watches
her go off
nice backside
she's on her
he mutters
put your eyes
back away
you donkey
Mary says
what you want?
Have a chat
you and me
Sean tells her
about what?
She replies
fancy you
like your eyes
your figure
your hairstyle
your backside
he tells her
and so what?
She asks him
stubbing out
the self rolled
cigarette
on the wall
we could meet
after school
have some fun
you and me
he tells her
do I look
desperate?
That hard up?
Mary says
Just asking
the boy says
you want it
you're gagging
for a bit
he informs
I fancy
the fat nun
who takes us
for high maths
more than I
fancy you
Mary says
I'd rather
sleep with her
than with you
**** you then
Sean mutters
and walks off
not today
donkey boy
Mary says
watching him
walks away
another boy
another day.
Jun 8, 2016
Jun 8, 2016 at 1:38 AM UTC