When the Nuns Had Their Fates

When the nuns had their Fates
we would tag behind the girls who's parents
took them into that beautiful big room
because we who had no relations
we were not aloud to go inside

To see the pretty things we made
for the nuns to sell at their fate

The doilies I embroidered were there
as well as on the trays in the parlor
for all the nuns visitors to see

And what do you know I saw them again
at Nazareth House in 2002 still on the trays
to pick up photos which the nuns
would not give me
because I told the truth of the abuse
which they did to me
as a child while in their care

All year long we made boxes
out of Holy Christmas cards
with lids which we crocheted around
the work we did with our hands
was done without a word,
we labored and slaved
for the Nazareth House nuns
who never thanked us
and they did not care

I Remember the priest vestment
which I embroidered around the bottom
and the different colored Mass vestments
for the Holy seasons of the year
The big golden I.H.S = (I HATE SIN)
Which I embroidered on the back
stood out for all to see
I looked up at Jesus and Mary
and told them
My hands embroidered these for you.

Some of the girls made carpets
of the Virgin Mary and Child
Which we so gladly did
With wool of light Blue and white
we were told we could take them
the day we left to face the world
But I found mine on the floor
in the priest bedroom
as I cleaned his room
and then I knew I was told a lie
and my little mat

was not mine any more.

Copyright@ 2003 Ann Thompson

All Rights Reserved