My First Confession Poem by Bryan Corbett

on my seventh birthday
The Church had determined
that I had reached the age of reason
that in my heart I could now
differentiate between right and wrong
so, I practiced my prayers
for what seemed like years
and I was prepared
to enter the confessional booth
that fateful Saturday

a very wrinkly-faced nun;
wrinkly like a Shar Pei
tapped me on the shoulder
with yellowing fingers
that smelled of cigarettes
when it was my turn

I stepped behind the purple curtain
felt around in the dark
found the kneeling board
and knelt down in front of the iron screen
I could just about make out the gauzy
silhouette of Father David
on the other side

'Forgive me, Father, I have sinned
and this is my First Confession...'

'Go on, my son...'

'...and my little sister lied to mommy
and my little sister cheated at 'Go Fish'
and my little sister stole the candy.'

from behind the iron screen
and from behind a hand
a soft snicker
escapes

'Father? '

'Yes, my son, go tell your little sister
to say ten Hail Mary's
and five Our Father's.
Peace be with you.'

'And also with you! ' I screamed running
through the purple curtain, past the Shar Pei,
and out the stained-glass doors.

I never did tell my little sister
about her penance
I just said 'em prayers for her myself