Recess at St. Thomas More

i remember the school yard
at St. Thomas More.
the squares of black pavement.
the faded white lines,
the tall fence
keeping the children in
who flung themselves about
like flocks of small birds.
there was
the slanted shadow of the church
and rectory nearby.
the nuns, looming large,
in black cloth, white trim.
crosses around their necks.
whistles in hand.
was it fun? i don't know
about that.
but there was one little girl
with blue
eyes, pensive and shy,
that i'll never forget.