HER BRASS CHRIST

A GIRL AND HER NEW LOVE AND HER BRASS CHRIST IN 1962

The brass Christ
on the shelf
in her room

crucifix
Father bought
way back when

he was young
now Sheila
has it there

to pray to
whisper to
brush off dust

on the head
and the arms
kisses it

the Christ's head
lifting it
to her lips

she thinks Christ
has called her
to a life

as a nun
after school
(14 now)

but now John
at her school
has changed that

her feelings
inside her
in her head

and body
are cooking
a fine stew

of young love
(in as much
as she knows

of young love)
even though
they've not kissed

(not so far)
or said much
(nor had touch)

she thinks it
is young love
but the Christ

what of Him?
They still talk
(least she does)

she kisses
the brass head
the body

the nailed feet
and nailed hands
one by one

but not John
not kissed him
or touched him

neither hands
nor his feet
but his eyes

hazel green
are the best
that she's seen.