One Day Dead 1963 Poem by Terry Collett

The nun stopped her
in the corridor
Magdalene need
a word with you
the nun said.

What word would
that be Sister Bridget?
the girl said.

A word of warning
follow me to the office
the nun turned
and walked back
the way she had come.

Magdalene followed
watching the nun
in front of her
how sexless she was.

The nun opened the door
of the office and held
the door open
so that Magdalene
could walk in
then she closed the door
and sat at the desk
and indicated
for the girl
to do likewise
opposite her.

It has been brought
to my notice that you
were seen with Mary Moran
in the girls' toilets
what have you to say?

Not unusual for two girls
to go to the girls' toilets Sister
Magdalene said.

The nun stared
not both
in the same cubical
the nun said stiffly.

Magdalene stared
at the nun
who'd say such a thing?
we were not
in the same cubicle
we were in adjoing cubicles
Magdalene said.

The nun gazed at her
you were both seen
coming out
of a cubicle together
the nun affirmed.

Magdalene looked
at the nun
at the pinched features
the nose
the black and white habit.

That was afterwards
I just went in there
to talk with Mary
Magdalene said.

You were heard
whispering in
the same cubicle
the nun said
eyeing the girl.

You are not
to be in the same cubical
with the Moran girl
at any time at all
do you understand me?
The nun said firmly
if I hear of this again
I will be having words
with both of your parents
and the priest understand?

Magdalene nodded
yes Sister Bridget
she said.

The nun stared at her
off you go
and remember
what I said.

The girl got up
and looked at
the large crucifix
on the wall above
the nun's head
and wish her with piles
or one day dead.