I used to sit in confessionals
For a living
It was my job to hear and absolve sin
At the beginning it was tedious and tiresome
Lists recited another out then in
But gradually I got better at the game
And people too felt more inclined to talk
And that was when confession was a godsend
A community of souls a treasured walk
To talk of trouble, wrongs and upset people
To hear a life unfolding in the dark
To hear of love and efforts to be faithful
Was privileged indeed and left its mark
Confess your sins confess to one another
That the clear advice as from the Lord
I hurt you and I’m sorry that I hurt you
Forgive me please I ask you speak the word
The area of sex gives so much trouble
We yearn for it we fear it and abuse
The victim of abuse is thrown in darkness
The perpetrator treated as refuse
Both need the help and the healing
Tell me now what happened now to you?
Our heart will come to life in such revealing
Have mercy Lord we make our pleas to you
Brian Fahy
16 October 2021
Erris Poetry 