Fatima

We were all there,

the least of us

(All least -

except to Him,

except to her:

Those of us who love her,

or who don’t;

not least -

hers!):

there in the mud,

there on our knees

in the mud,

weeping . . .

afraid . . .

digging the earth

when the sun slipped,

digging the earth

with our shuddering bodies,

trying to hide it;

scratching the air

when the sun fell,

scratching the air

with our whimpering souls,

fearing to die in it.

One word locked it.

One word:

the easiest word:

the first word:

“Mother!”

God knew.

(God can afford to be

humble.

He’s God.)

He said it first

too.

***** Evelyn Coffey