DEEPER THINGS.

MONKS AND A NOVICE IN AN ABBEY IN 1971

The monk raises
the host
during Mass,
high between fingers

and thumbs,
head and eyes
look up,
the Body of Christ,

he tones.
I watch
the old monk eat;
his jaw moving

in a semi circle
as he ate,
his eyes down
on his plate,

an old French
soup spoon
half way
from bowl to lips.

I remember her hands
sorting through
my garments
for the fellow,

her eyes intent,
her fingers nimble
as an artisan's.
A French peasant monk

peels potatoes
in the kitchen
with the seriousness
of Van Gogh

in a darker mood,
thinking of deeper things
than wine or food.

Reviews

[Kelly Scheppers]

I've always assumed a monk's disposition would be somewhat like our own. Reading these stories gives me great insight to their character and nature. Are they priest-like in their convictions?

[Terry Collett]

Most of the monks I knew were priests as well as monks. There were about 25 when I was there, now there are about 6. Thank you for reading.