Release Time

I came to their white
terror first
the nuns with their ghostly motives
hidden in black
motionless
yet always upon us before we sinned
always knowing
and smiling
sadly.

Was it the neat sample loaves
of stale Silvercup bread
and lukewarm milk
doled out in the chalky afternoons
or the threat of public school always
hanging over us
that made me want to believe
the slight face of magic
marooned in an ocean of black
shaping the words by which I learned

to pray to almighty god to
blessed michael the archangel
defend us in battle be our protection
against the wickedness and snares of
the devil who comes
white robed
to our daily crucifixions
restrain him oh lord we beseech and implore
you
who shall not hear us
pray again
to seek in ourselves what is human
to sustain us
and less terror
for our children.