2025 NaPM 8 April

[Mark A Becker]

Epiphany at 12

While on my way to church
I was always tempted
to wander by the creek
to scare up the green snakes.

But I always worried
that I’d have Hell to pay,
I didn’t want trouble
so I went on my way…

Then I sat in pews choked
by unholy perfume,
tried my best to believe
You could be in that room.

Not even Our Father
could save me Hail Mary!
I forgot half the words,
and heard Hell was scary.

I was praying that You
were well rested that day,
I hoped that You’d listen
to the way that I prayed.

I tried hard to believe,
and I thought we should speak,
went to meet after church
down the hill, by the creek…


But a young girl was there
sitting at the creek bed-
my prayers were answered
by an angel instead.



[FORM: syllabic, rhyming]