Wants Her Whole 1963 Poem by Terry Collett

Magdalene leaves
the confession box
after making

her confession
but without waiting
for the absolution

from the priest
which she didn't think
he'd give anyway

as she was unrepentant
of wanting and loving Mary
and she'd said too much

and walking fast
down the side aisle
of the church

past the statue
of the Virgin
past people on their knees

in the pews
out the back doors
dipping two fingers

in the stoup
and out into the street
looking behind her

in case Father Joseph
was following her
out of the church

like some hound
after prey
asking her

what did you say?
but he isn't
and she walks along

the street
her mind muddily
her hands in her pockets

her eyes searching
all who pass her by
will he know

who she was
who had said
those things

in the confessional?
will he seek her out
back at school

on Monday
and ask her about Mary
and her odd

affection for the girl
and was this Mary like her
in her wants and desires?

what about her parents?
what if he tells them
about her wants and stuff?

no he can't
what is said
in confession

stays in confession
let the fecking priest
soak in it

live with it
she says to herself
walking past shoppers

past shop windows
she wants Mary
wants her body and soul

not just bits of her
she wants her all
wants her whole.