Frances-Ann Norton: Poetry

Dream Poem 85: Jam at Mass In church Mass is going on I am out of step with people. At communion I kneel on the alter step in slightly the wrong place. The matriarchal sisters are giving communion out but its jam, not a host A teaspoon in a jam jar of strawberry there is not much left in it, just a scraping. After mass there is a lot of good cake on sale I buy some. One of our group is assaulted in the toilet We have to leave this is an outrage Everyone hears but says nothing They let it happen.

A View from Saint Joseph's Home from Mass Bowing, processing, catching up. Cups of tea from an oversized teapot Pancakes with sugar and lemon. Through my most grievous fault Chocolate spread I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof Money in this glass bowl Money in this collection bag Buns for Nepal Confirmandees writing their own creed Singing from the back Romeo on his Grand dad’s knee Agnes so watchful and serious Luka happy as a bean Nathaniel running for the candle His St Stephen’s medallion Banging against his chest As he only just makes it to the lectern Before Fr Richard reads And next to me Naomi all in black Watching a baby who plays on her Dad’s shoulder And I remember Naomi Quiet baby on my lap On friend’s laps through Mass Josie, Helen, Tim Quiet and observant, trusting and waiting My baby girl so precious So nearly snatched away in the hospital as a baby Every corridor appeared to be ten mi...