The Nelligan Review

If I wanted a hobby,

I would sew quilts

or paint, garden

or do puzzles. I desire

 

a trade, a skill-filled road

to make my way

In the world. I’ll make

my way as a woman

 

alone, not needing

the trappings, the traps

of men who would

enslave me. St. Vincent,

 

you were jailed and tortured

for your faith.  I have faith

that a path of freedom

from chains and hurt

 

lays before me. Our saintly patron,

please bless these grapes, the first bottles

of wine I’ll cork. When the time is right,

I will raise my first glass to you.

 

*First appeared in Aphor.