Pocket Catechism

Say the words:

On earth

as it is in heaven.

Say the words:

Love thy neighbor

as thyself.

Say the words:

And the Lord saw that it was good,

and it was good.

Say the words, said my father.

So I say the words.

Sing the words, said my mother.

So I sing the words.

Dance, said my sister.

But I didn’t know how to dance.

So my sister taught me.

Night said, Sleep.

But I didn’t know how to sleep.

And I still don’t know.

Day said, Rise. Work.

Sing for your mother.

Dance for your sister.

Say the words for your father.

So I sing the living waters.

So I dance the fallen angel.

So I say the words:

Mama may have.

Papa may have.

God bless the child that’s got his own.

Notes:

This poem is part of the portfolio honoring Li-Young Lee as the recipient of the 2024 Ruth Lilly Poetry Prize, a recognition for outstanding lifetime achievement from the Poetry Foundation. Established in 1986 by Ruth Lilly, the prize is one of the most prestigious awards given to living US poets. Read the rest of the portfolio in the October 2024 issue.

Source: Poetry (October 2024)