The age of reason

(for Gerry Sellman)

Two days past her first communion,
the white dress
a puddle of shiny organza on the floor,
she wants to know
why we never see any women priests
at church, not even one.

Because they’re not allowed, baby.
No women allowed.
That’s why.

I watch the truth seep in like slow poison
until she squints up at me,

"WHAT??!!!!"

Her voice is so strong.

Shout it again, wise child.
Shout it until the force of your disbelief
makes deaf men hear.

Shout it out loud, bright girl
until they let you whisper
in the center of the sanctuary,
arms upraised and face upturned,

Behold the Lamb of God,
who takes away the sins of the world.

Behold, lambie mine,
he will take away this sin.

Where justice begins
there is a word,
and the word is from God,
and the word is

"WHAT???!!"

Come Jesus,
free your eight-year-old girls.
Only say the word and we shall be healed,
we shall all be healed.