May 23, 2008

My Journey to God

Beheaded Saints

They are in the flowerbeds, on windowsills,
Bedside tables and curio shelves …
Gray stone figures that have literally
Lost their heads ...
Not by the sword, but by
Small, rambunctious bodies, bicycle tires,
Wooden wagons or mis-swung baseball bats …
St. Pasquale and St. Anne, by falls
Off the kitchen shelf onto the
Lid of a boiling pot.

A full-headed statue is a rare thing,
To be much enjoyed and admired.
Representing the good intentions of
The owner, the saints stoically
Beckon remembrance of their fate …
Only, as in the past, to fall victim
Once again to another martyrdom.

By Susie McAllister

(Susie McAllister is a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Indianapolis. This poem was inspired by the everyday accidents—some associated with her 16 grandchildren—which have befallen the statues of saints that she has displayed in her home and yard.) †

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