A Poem for Sunday Morning

I catch on Fire

Long black dress to my toes -
Flowing black sleeves and veil.
A walking bolt of black material.
Fourth grade religion class -
Teaching full force:
The Gospel according to -
Lit candle.
Fifty little eyes wide.
Twenty-five voices shout:
"Sister! Sister! You're on fire!"
Flames shooting. Hands beating.
Silence. Breathing.
Children, this teaches us always
to be careful with fire.
Now, years later, when I pray
I catch on fire. Amen.

- Sister Helen Prejean, CSJ