The Nun
I see myself in the nun walking by
as I read on a bench in the sunshine.
She of the short grey hair,
a man’s shirt, cleanly laundered,
wash and wear, drapes over her
navy cotton slacks. She proceeds
with purpose, one hand wrapped
behind her back. She looks down
as she walks, serious, contemplative.
I’ve always said I could pick a nun
our of a lineup.
Sturdy, no-nonsense–
plain, unadorned faces.
They would be nurses. You could
trust them with your life.
You can be sure they have books
checked out of the library
and that they’ll return them.
6 thoughts on "The Nun"
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Very nice, Pat – especially the ending. Unexpected but perfect!
Beautifully observed. Close eye for detail, aware of the small moments in moment-by-moment life, with astute observation. A wry humor touched with kindness ends this impressive poem. Grateful that are participating in Lexpomo. Be well
One of the best nurses I’ve ever known, was indeed a nun
Love the humor and detail in this poem.
Fav line:
I’ve always said I could pick a nun
out of a lineup.
I loved the detail of your noticing here: you have a gift for defining this character in your chosen images.
Pairing the trustworthiness of nuns with nurses and then turning to returning library books—nicely done!