Suffer the Children to Come Unto Me

Anno Domini 1963

"Louise, go get a Kleenex for your head,"
the omnipresent Sister Clemence said,
who otherwise gave to seventh grade girls
two bobby pins each for their chapel veils.

"So maybe next time you'll remember yours.
Another example, listen up girls,
of sloth which is what forgetfulness is,
"and don't forget to button up your blouse."

Lou swallowed Rolaids to enter the booth,
then blew her nose with a Kleenex therein,
and rubbed herself just a second or two
to think of something to say about sin.