St. Bernadette's Small Chapel

the first time
I went to the small chapel
at
St. Bernadette's
was fifteen years ago.

on my knees I prayed.
asked for forgiveness,
spilled out all my sins,
my remorse,
my regrets.

the small church to the side
was quiet
and empty
except for me. it was
easy
to stay there for hours,
seeking
help, seeking direction,
as I cried.

I emptied my soul, came
clean.
became whole.

not long ago I went there
once more,
and did it all over
again.

almost fifteen years to
the day
since my last visit
to the small chapel
next door.