Johnson, Karen

Sasveld, Karen

English

Digital Commons @ Butler University

2Do Not Turn OnDo Not Turn On RedCrimson maybebut definitely not on red.Do Not WalkYou can twirl or trip or skipbut absolutely do not walk.Do Not reach for heavenThe top shelf of the bookcase maybe,but heaven is too farso definitely do not reach for heaven.Do Not surrender your heartYou can share, care and crybut absolutely do not surrender your heart.Do Not Turn Your Heart RedDo Not Walk to HeavenDo Not SurrenderDo Not ReachDo NOTDo NOTDo.+Karen Johnson/MANUSCRIPTSOne Foot Out the DoorI am the product of public schools.I never had the joyOf describing the rapOf Sister's wooden ruler across my knuckles,Never wore plaid uniforms with gym shoes,Never got out of classesFor saints' feast daysOr for mass each morning.I didn't have twelve or thirteen siblings running aroundAnd no relatives who were priests(Although I did have some distant cousinWho was a nun, about 60 years old;My mother told meShe used to ask the mother superiorFor beer each year on her birthday).I don't know what's considered a mortal sinAnd what's considered just a feel-really-guilty sinBut I know a lot of people who are ready to tell me.I haven't had the benefits,Or the background,To be really any good at what I profess each SundayBut I have an idea about right and wrong;I know what hurts peopleEven without doctrine telling me so.-Karen Sasveld

Do Not Turn On / One Foot Out the Door

https://digitalcommons.butler.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3819&amp;context=manuscripts

Do Not Turn On / One Foot Out the Door

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Digital Commons @ Butler University