Penitence

Penance

A thousand souls queue 
outside his confessional while
he scans the cards of sins.
How many
Hail Marys, Our Fathers,
rosaries will be
dealt today?

Wisely dispensed devotions
from behind the brown curtain,
the shadow grid,
will part God’s pearly gates
for a penitent multitude.

I’m at the back of the line
and worry I’ll not make it 
to the booth in time. 

©Kathryn McLoughlin Collins
April 21, 2012
Copyright © | Year Posted 2012

Poem

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Borgo Avatar
February 4, 2017 at 4:06 PM
Like the second verse, Louis.
Bickerstaffe Avatar
May 10, 2012 at 11:47 AM
You put us right at the scene and create such a profound atmosphere. Well done, Kathryn! Keith
Kendrick Avatar
May 3, 2012 at 4:31 PM
Enjoyed reading ..I have wondered how confessional actually worked since that is not my faith..Interesting one explaining how it is done...Thanks for stopping by, reading, and commenting on my work..Sara
Austin Avatar
May 3, 2012 at 2:24 PM
I'm sure you have much less to confess than those in front of you, so, relax and write some more good poetry. Love, daver
Collins Avatar
May 14, 2012 at 8:04 AM
Ya think?
Telling Avatar
April 22, 2012 at 10:19 PM
I like this a lot! There is more meaning underneath the words and I love that about this poem... Thanks for your nice comments on my poetry, it means a lot! :)
Larson Avatar
April 21, 2012 at 9:56 AM
Wonderful concentration! Thanks, Paula
Guzzi Avatar
April 21, 2012 at 9:51 AM
Very nice Free Verse Light & Love
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