[RCL]

An Altered Boy (Old School)

He carefully studies pretties, ignores the plains,
and searches for Maria every day;
pure thoughts of her can take his breath away.
From stolen sips, red altar wine now stains
his surplice, though today he’s taken pains
to look his best. It’s Virgin’s Day in May,
and spirits urge the altar boy to play.
He’s served this mass all week, despite the rains,
and vows, I‘ll make her smile before she leaves!
He holds a paten, gold like rising suns,
below each chin as Father feeds the sheaves
of high-school girls a host. With bated breath,
he strokes the paten; she winks: his mind now runs
to sins he’d sin with her until his death.