Lesbian Catholic School Girl

Yes, yes, there were plaid skirts
starchy button-ups, and headbands
brand name boat shoes
and white socks that covered the ankle—
            the whole ankle.

And, yes, there were nuns—
and nuns, and nuns.
Principal nun. P.E. nun. Art & History nun.
Nun in the lunchroom
camera-watching nun
nun running laps
            her habit like light in the wind.

Yes, the cliches are true.
There was weekly mass
daily prayer. I sang the hymns
the gospels. I knew the rules
            the sins.

Yes, I read the bible.
Yes, I studied the saints.
Yes, I prayed.
            I prayed.
by Naudia Reeves

Naudia Reeves is a queer Floridian poet and a new transfer to Michigan. Her work explores themes of queerness, loss, and self-critique, often featuring one of her four delightful but naughty cats. Her work has been published in The Mangrove Review, The Swamp Ape Review, The Passionfruit Review, and other outlets.

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