LADY IN WHITE

I took holy communion with my mother tonight

while visiting her at the hospital

years since either of us had said confession

or tasted the host

the sister offering grinned and said

you know in your hearts

whether you’re worthy to receive

my mother and I smiled at one another

then back at the nun

holding our hands out in acceptance

together saying that special prayer

surprised at myself for remembering the words

the sensation of the body of Christ

dissolving in mouths

and what it symbolized

went well with the morphine and coffee

having to admit we both felt pretty good

about the whole situation

my mother offered the sister money

but she would not accept

instead handing us each a rosary

wrapped in plastic

we then thanking her and she us

before the lady in white disappeared

down the hallway

© 2004 Chris Sorrenti