YOU NEVER KNOW 1963

TWO SCHOOL GIRLS IN IRELAND IN 1963 TALKING OF NUNS AND BOYS

You want to be a nun?
Magdalene said
sitting on her bed
in her room
with Martha sitting
beside her
listening to a Beatles LP
on the record player on the floor

Martha said
yes one of those ones
who pray all day
not like those at school
who have to teach
brats like us

Magdalene smiled
who'd be a fecking nun
like that but to be
a contemplative nun
is something else
Martha like out
of this world so it is

Martha gazed
at the turning LP
on the turntable

I want to be a bride
of the Crucified
she said

Magdalene stared at her
bride of Christ?
she said

Martha nodded
in some convent miles
from anywhere
and no fellars around
to touch you
or lift your fecking
dress or skirt
and ask to see
your underclothes
b******s

Magdalene sensed
Martha near
her thigh close to hers
almost touching
she smelt of soap and toast
odd combination
but that's Martha
she let her elbow
touch Martha's

that's boys for you
always out for something
Magdalene said
wishing Martha
would turn around now
and kiss her
but she knows she won't
but she like Mary best
she's probably would
kiss hopefully one day

ciggie?
Martha said
getting a packet out
of her dress pocket

Magdalene nodded
and took a cigarette
and Martha lit both cigarettes
and they sat
and inhaled
in thought

when I see or touch
the Crucified I come out
in goosebumps
Martha said suddenly

Magdalene frowned
what the real one?
she said

no the Crucified
in church or at school
in the hall
the big one who spreads
His arms wide
and looks skyward

Magdalene smiled
and put a hand around
Martha's shoulder
that's cute
she said

I kiss His feet in church
when no one's looking
Martha said
or on my rosary
but His feet are small on that
and I'm probably kissing
His legs as well
not that He's mind
but it's feet I like
to kiss like that
Mary Magdalene did
she said

Magdalene wished
she could kiss any part
of Martha
just the once or so

she hugged her tight
as she spoke
and mused
you never know.