Poem: Sustainability is a mindset.

Poem: “Sundays” (2024)

Before Church 

On Sunday mornings

I woke searching my body for chills–

My skin slightly pebbled

“My chance”

Nothing.

The vintage faucet jetted icy water straight to my face,

buttoned a white collar to my throat, pulled the knot of my tie tight–

no room for Him to see my imperfections

and mounted into the car

15 minutes. 

Absolute Silence.

At Church

We arrived.

I hoped Priest Antony and God couldn’t see

the sweat spreading through my shirt,

the boy two pews over,

the way I couldn’t stop looking

I avoided eye contact–

even with the crucifix

Priest Antony placed the wafer on my tongue–

“The Body of Christ”

Hard, slow chews.

Chills.

After Church

I unknotted my tie,

unbuttoned my collar,

threw both to the floor,

turned off the light,

and tried to sleep.

Monday came.

I picked up my outfit

folded it,

and left it waiting.

For next Sunday…