recess at St. Thomas More

when they were nuns,
real
nuns, black penguins
with wooden
crosses hanging
down the front of their
gowns,
they stood like guards
posted
at the playground.
stern with hands folded
in front of them.
they watched your every move.
knowing your
sins before you did.
not afraid to rap your
knuckles or pull
a red ear brittled
from the cold wind
that swirled
in the paved lot
of St. Thomas More.
they made you realize
that fun must be had
in secret.