Sister Paul
walked across
the green lawn
her flowing
black habit
billowing
behind her
then she stopped
right in front
of the white
steel table
where Anne
and the Kid
were sitting
eating tea
(sandwiches
cut into
triangles
and pieces
of iced cake)
I've been told
the nun said
that you two
have said things
to Lulu
and young Colm
that were rude
and unkind
is that right?
when was this?
Anne asked
after the
afternoon
siesta
the nun said
don't recall
anything
Anne said
do you Kid?
Benedict
shook his head
Sister Paul
looked at him
it's a sin
to tell lies
Benedict
the nun said
are you sure
you recall
nothing of
what I've said?
but sister
are all lies
said sinful?
Anne asked
yes they are
the nun said
so if I
said you were
beautiful
would that be
sinful too?
Anne said
Sister Paul
tut-tutted
you are not
so clever
as you think
the nun said
so you too
can tell lies
Anne said
the nun stood
taking in
the young girl
sitting
her one leg
poking out
of a red
patterned skirt
her leg stump
visible
where the skirt
had ridden
up the thigh
don't be cruel
to other
children here
with your words
the nun said
Anne stared
at the nun
then picked up
a sandwich
and ate it
as noisy
as she could
Benedict
sipped his tea
as the nun
walked away
and wondered
how easy
it would be
for the nun
to pull up
all that gear
(the habit)
to go pee
that's a good
example
Skinny Kid
of Christian
love and such
did you see
her hard face?
what love there?
where God's grace?
Benedict
said nothing
just sipped tea
(warm and sweet)
recalling
Sister Paul's
long and white
naked feet.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
It is sometimes our interpretation of things that can change our perception all together. So is the case with lies and truths. Thanks.