Gabh Mo Leith Sceal/Excuse Me

Gabh mo leith scéal/ Excuse me Drawn by the sanctuary of a warm pew I escaped from the drizzling rain In the old parish church of Knock. The votive statues were soulful, The epitome of compassion Carved in caring, conducive to meditation Uplifting, the candles glowing like fireflies A woman sidled up Hands folded together like napkins Mouth like the Mona Lisa, enigmatic ‘Excuse me, ' she whispered Pressing a card in my palm ‘Please. I am Bosnian. I have two children Give me your change.' The smile, unmelting. But this was no laughing matter Who'd expect in the name of all that's Holy Someone begging inside a church? Is nothing sacred? I thought And left, confused, as if the girl had struck me Or spilled dirt on the alter cloth Much later, the pennies dropped, The coins I hadn't given, benevolence blocked.