R.I.P R.C. (New Poem from Janice Stephens)

I am a novice poet who has a lot to learn. Having discovered in later life the real joy in poetry, I enjoy all types, particularly contemporary work.  I have attended several one day and longer courses on writing poetry and am currently attending a course at Citilit in London.  I self-published my first collection of 50 poems 'Fifty First Timers' last year with KDP.'

R.I.P. R.C.

Corpus Christi.

A sultry June day.

Bees buzz midst dandelions on the lawn

beneath the convent chapel.

Long before they learn how to swear

the five year olds,

hands clasped,

in hand-me-down white dresses,

fall onto their knees

on the gravel steps to pray.

Black robes swish up and down

the rows of white statues, keeping order:

“Don’t fidget”.

Then Benediction.

“Examine your consciences children”

And like troops for Jesus they march

to get a blessing.

Bedtime in the dormitory offers solace

as long as they hold their tongues and avoid the strap.

Adults now, they no longer go to church.

By Janice Stephens