"…but I’m a Sister too." a short poem

"…but I’m a Sister too."

I sit in silence on the pew watching those who come and go

I see the families, moms and dads, the kids all running to and fro

I watch the ladies who are talking just outside the chapel doors

I see young men in shirts and ties all looking like they’re fairly bored.

But watching them I barely see, a man comes up to talk to me.

He says my name, extends his hand, and shakes mine firmly like a man

He tells me how he’s doing and he asks what in my life is new

I just say something trite and try to keep from looking at my shoes.

He smiles and pats me on the back to show me that he really cares

But I can’t help but feel the situation I’m in isn’t fair.

It’s not his fault he only sees, the shirt and tie that define me

But I wish that he only knew, he’s talking to a Sister too.

After church I see the same two women talking in the hall.

Apparently there is a charity drive at the local mall.

I want to know more so I ask if it’s okay if I attend?

They smile politely and they say this isn’t something that’s for men.

It’s hard hold back how I feel, I just cannot believe its real

But I wish that they only knew, they’re talking to a Sister too.

Kate Marsh