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Standing Naked In the World of the Undressed

I was just a kid You threw the “book” at me Hellfire, damnation, sinner!! Repent!!!! I was too young To remember “penting” So how could I do it again?? Purgatory…. “the not quite ready for prime time waiting room for angels” Confession?? Hey, If I ain’t tellin’ Mom I ain’t tellin’ nobody. The “transubstantiation” //I can still spell it// I thought it was a new stop on the RED LINE. “The Caped Crusaders” Aka NUNS Wielding a thunderous yard stick (Thor had nothing on these chicks) Catechism The first of my many schisms. I am still just a kid Delving into the alleged “Divinity of Man” Walking in the footsteps of mystery Dabbling in momentary beliefs Chasing shadows on a cloudless day Experiencing the wonder of life Standing naked in the world of the undressed John G. Lawless ©5/6/2023

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Nancy Kaufman

Date: 5/15/2023 5:02:00 AM

I think you captured the drama of Catholism as seen with a child's perspective so well. I'm not a Catholic but at one point was mystified by it. I still remember St. Anthony when I lose things and I loved St. Francis of Assis. Religion is like basic training, gives you a foundation and then you move on to spirituality.

Gershon Wolf

Date: 5/6/2023 8:35:00 PM

One doesn't have to be Catholic to relate to this stuff --- although it helps to have been the only one of 35 employees at a place (back in the day) who wasn't! ~ Midnight Confessions

Paul Willason

Date: 5/6/2023 3:40:00 PM

Reading this poem, you have captured my own experience. The dark side of course is that they robbed so many children of joy and left lifelong scars, I still have mine. The indoctrination of childrens minds with hellfire and damnation crap is a form of child abuse. Last stanza is brilliant, a great poem John.

Lin Lane

Date: 5/6/2023 6:57:00 AM

Your writes are always unique to me, John, often with just a titch of humor, and in this one you captured both once again. The Caped Crusaders nuns! "Divinity of Man." There was only One.