Martha Dusting 1963 Poem by Terry Collett

Martha stood
on a wooden chair
to reach the crucifix
on the wall
of the old chapel.

She was dusting
with a yellow duster
(brought from home)
to wipe away
the dust
and cobwebs
attached to the crown
of thorns
of the Crucified
and those about
His beard.

Waaat are ye at?
Martha
a nun said
behind her.

Oi'm dustin'
Martha replied
looking around
at the nun.

Git down
dis once
the nun said
pointing
a thin finger.

But our Lord
is dusty an' full
av cobwebs
Martha said
turning her head
back to the Christ
wiping about
His beard.

Oi said nigh
the nun said firmly.

Martha sighed
and stepped off
the chair
which creaked.

Discipline
is the first tin'
if yer want
ter be a nun
Sister Luke said.

Martha looked
at the nun
yer Lord looked
so sad dare
covered wi' de webs
she said.

Enoof
av yisser blather
the nun said
on yisser way
ter class.

Martha looked
at the Christ
then walked out
the chapel
leaving the nun behind
musing on being a nun
it turning over
in her mind.