Phyllis Groat, Billy Behr and Timmy Drew
Francis somebody with Jimmy Fisher
and Mary Buckley too.
Black robed nuns that seemed to glide
feet and hair a mystery
rulers that reached a mile.
Lunch time stools swung in and out
from tables that disappeared
into Mary blue block walls.
Holy card for first place prize.
Priests mumbled Latin mass
and girls watched holy backs.
Third grade fell out of mother’s drawer,
a stained photo stuck between dried up pens
and a Tupperware orange peeler.
Three days after we buried her
in a Catholics only plot,
she made me remember
what I deliberately forgot.
Photos: 3rd grade class photo mentioned was tossed….but these were also in the drawer. Me in my 3d grade Immaculate Conception School navy blue uniform and my first communion picture. I actually won a third grade competition to see who could learn the altar boy responses in Latin first (our third grade boys were lagging in this important task — it was thought this would spur them on). Silly me – I thought if I won I could be an altar boy. See that word? “Boy.” Nope. I did win a gold embossed holy card of St. Francis of Assisi and the boys all went on to assist with Mass. Memories…..
lillian the home poet 
I like your poem and your photos. I’m sure you would have been a great altar boy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You betcha! 🙂
LikeLike
It is amazing isn’t it, Lillian – our young lives and how some grew so very entrenched in religious “traditions,” and how all those years of embedded lessons could be removed from our life fabric – if and when we decide – the lessons don’t represent the true weave of our heart…
Ah, those early Catholic School years…:)
Your beautiful and insightful words brought me back with a shiver and a smile –
am:)
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve been remiss in my reading and my replies — spent the last few days at my daughters so unplugged for quite a bit of the time. Catching up this Saturday morn. So good to see you here.
A shiver and a smile…..exactly. Have you ever seen the play or read the book, Do Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up? Book might be hard to find now — but I suspect Amazon would have it. It is hilarious and sentimental at the same time; about Catholic School days. Of course the play Nonsense was hilarious too.
My handwriting is often complimented (do they even learn cursive anymore???) and I always say, thanks to Sister John Gulbert. Memorizing skills are also very good — again, because of learning those early catechism questions. Respect – a big part of that education. So lots of positives too. Tipping my cup to you this AM…..and ready to go into the Reader to see your words and art 🙂 Happy weekend my friend!
LikeLike
Hi Lillian.
Please accept my apologies, I’ve fallen so far behind in my blogging. I’ve just been keeping up with throwing posts together. I’m glad you unplugged as well, You’ve been writing quite a bit and it’s nice to recharge the batteries now and again.
Yes, one never forgets their Catholic school upbringing – it’s like they burn those memories into your soul;)
am:)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Just wonderful post. Thank you for sharing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Johanna. I really appreciate your kind words — on to my second cup of coffee this drizzly AM….coffee makes a rainy day so much better! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Blue sky and sun here! Going to put another kettle on. Finding so many interesting posts this AM!
LikeLiked by 1 person