Seán Walsh: First Communion
FIRST COMMUNION
Here, I have it here! First Communion photo.
Jenny looking out from ‘neath a veil:
open-eyed… trusting… distrusting…
unaware of what was out there,
what lay ahead… in the world beyond
home and hearth and convent school.
All she knew that morning
was that white was for purity, innocence,
that Jesus was coming to her,
really and truly present
in the sacrament of the Altar.
A wafer on her tongue,
distilling, within her,
Love, Peace, Serenity,
a stillness of mind and body.
‘Knew, besides, that later
there would be congratulation,
celebration,
nicies and goodies and silver
in her rosary purse…
How’s this it went?..
“You have given yourself to me,
now let me give myself to Thee…
I give Thee my body
that it may be chaste and pure…”
And by her side, so proud of her,
parents she was justly proud of…
Hairdo, outfit, suit, tie, shoes shining.
“In a bit closer… look at the camera…
Now smile, big smile… Ah, that’s it…”
Golden day of golden days…
before the storm clouds gathered
and the rancour of marital strife
rent the domestic fabric…
Seán Walsh