THE NUN’S STORY

Beyond the gate a tempting glimpse

of verdant pastures and rippling streams,

kept alive the spark of hope that

lit my heart and kindled dreams.

I chose this life while still a child

to serve the Lord with constancy

but age and illness dim the flame

of faith that once burned bright in me.

Just nine are left within these walls

and I am bound by vows and duty.

I must remain until I die,

so I will turn away from beauty.

I’ve watched my sisters one by one

slide into illness, then to death.

No stone is marked to prove they lived

and served the Lord with every breath.

Locked in silence we make our way

to chapel from refectory,

with painful steps and halting gait

to hear the benedictory.

But in my cell at dead of night

my mind returns to childhood days

when I was free to bathe in streams,

and wander through His verdant ways.