ican? Is it bedecked in glitterin jewelry you think I am? Smothered in
fancy furs?
The food churned in my stomach. I gagged. I ran to her backyard
and threw it all up. Out she came.
Look at what he did. Thrun up his First Communion breakfast.
Thrun up the body and blood of Jesus. I have God in me backyard.
What am I goin to do? Ill take him to the Jesuits for they know the
sins of the Pope himself.
She dragged me through the streets of Limerick. She told the
neighbors and passing strangers about God in her backyard. She pushed
me into the confession box.
In the name of the Father, the Son, the Holy Ghost. Bless me,
Father, for I have sinned. Its a day since my last confession.
A day? And what sins have you committed in a day, my child?
I overslept. I nearly missed my First Communion. My grandmother
said I have standing up, North of Ireland, Presbyterian hair. I threw up
my First Communion breakfast. Now Grandma says she has God in her
backyard and what should she do.
The priest is like the First Confession priest. He has the heavy
breathing and the choking sounds.
Ah . . . ah . . . tell your grandmother to wash God away with a lit-
tle water and for your penance say one Hail Mary and one Our Father.
Say a prayer for me and God bless you, my child.
Grandma and Mam were waiting close to the confession box.
Grandma said, Were you telling jokes to that priest in the confession
box? If tis a thing I ever find out you were telling jokes to Jesuits Ill
tear the bloody kidneys outa you. Now what did he say about God in
me backyard?
He said wash Him away with a little water, Grandma.
Holy water or ordinary water?
He didnt say, Grandma.
Well, go back and ask him.
But, Grandma . . .
She pushed me back into the confessional.
Bless me, Father, for I have sinned, its a minute since my last
confession.
A minute! Are you the boy that was just here?
I am, Father.
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