A Flagellants Zeal
With pious intent
She sought the penance
Confession could grant
Her sins for sackcloth
Seemed a fair exchange
Booming doors and coughs
A sombre soundtrack
For her confessor
The constant Father
Of this Magdalene
She marshalled misdeeds
In order of wrong
Her breath quickening
Anticipating
The chastisement
‘Please bless me Father’
‘Because I have sinned’
‘And they are legion’
She hoped she heard him
Catch an outraged breath
In that dark chamber
Sin moved between them
To be tomb whited
By his mutterings
By his devotions
She railed against his
Prayers and promises
With flagellant zeal
Craving punishment
Before forgiveness
He died for her sins
But she lived for them
Fleeing in a fury
In her wake his words
‘God’s peace be with you’
(2014)
