Sister, Sister

During the years
of parochial education
children shivered
at the voice of the teachers
all draped in black

with faces peering
out of strange headdresses.
Even though the eyes

were often kind
and the faces
wrinkle free
there was something about
the framing of the face

perched on a tall body
under yards of black
cloth that made
even the bravest
child quiver

didn’t
matter what
was said

sounded like hell
was the consequences
for bad words
or impure thoughts
and for lies

however small.
"Sorry sister,
I have sinned 
please forgive me
and yes,

my homework 
is really done."