It was cool
inside
the Burgos Cathedral
the people pious
and otherwise
was in rows
either side
the priest
was up front
muttering in Spanish
the people
muttering back
and you stood
trying to find your place
in the book of mass
tucked in the seat
in front
what are they saying?
Mamie said
why is that old guy
giving me the eye
she was sitting
beside you in one
of the pews
her short skirt
showing plenty
of leg
her tight bust
pushing
to be free
is it Latin?
she asked
no Spanish
you said
she dragged
her finger
down the page
muttering words
you watched the priest
hands raised
his hands open
to the heavens
some old senora
was giving you
the evil eye
her dark eyes
like prunes
in a basin
of dull cream
searched you out
that old guy
is still licking me
with his oily eyes
Mamie said
you smelt the incense
the stink
of bodies unwashed
her perfume
her bust close
to your arm
pressing nearer
her hair wild
and bushy
was held in place
by a red Alice band
the old guy looked away
he’d had his fill
his eyes watery
aged
sucked elsewhere
like aged slugs
Mamie closed
the mass book
put it back in place
and folded her hands
in mock prayer
like pose
her eyes drinking in
the scene
the priest
the altar
the windows
the statues
her voice soft
in your ear said
when can we
get out of here?
I need to pee
the priest held aloft
the host
the Christ
the Lamb of God
she pushed her hands
between her thighs
squeezed her knees
in anxious pose
ok you
said moving
from the pew
better go
before you wee
I suppose.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem