Gabh Mo Leith Sceal/Excuse Me Poem by Sheena Blackhall

Gabh mo leith scéal/ Excuse me
Drawn by the sanctuary of a warm pew
I escaped from the drizzling rain
In the old parish church of Knock.

The votive statues were soulful,
The epitome of compassion
Carved in caring, conducive to meditation
Uplifting, the candles glowing like fireflies

A woman sidled up
Hands folded together like napkins
Mouth like the Mona Lisa, enigmatic
‘Excuse me, ' she whispered
Pressing a card in my palm
‘Please. I am Bosnian. I have two children
Give me your change.'
The smile, unmelting.

But this was no laughing matter
Who'd expect in the name of all that's Holy
Someone begging inside a church?

Is nothing sacred? I thought
And left, confused, as if the girl had struck me
Or spilled dirt on the alter cloth

Much later, the pennies dropped,
The coins I hadn't given, benevolence blocked.