Sister Euphemia


A ready smile,
a quiet way,
the joy and candor
of a child,
young and effervescent,
Sister Euphemia taught first grade
at St. Vincent's
in September
nineteen thirty-five.

From her I learned
on opening day,
I had a family name,
when at my side
she bent
and
printed out
each letter of my name.

Quite short,
she'd stand upon a stool
to teach with flash cards
or
the faces of a clock.

In soft but solemn tones,
she'd tell us,
ever that we say,
three "Hail Marys"
to our Blessed Mother,
every day.

St. Vincent's passed.
The years flew past.
Her memory lapsed;
yet her words held fast.
For ever since she bade us
in first grade,
I've said my three "Aves".

(May 8, 2001)