Chrism Mass

Little girl: it’s all right.
It is true
that the stranger sat behind you
cried through the second half
of each hymn
(and that was a bit confusing)
and it is true
that your father had to work
and brought you with him
(and that was a bit frustrating)
but that is just
what Maundy Thursday is like.
Truth be told:
tomorrow may be worse.
But you will make it through
and then there will be change.
Come Sunday
there will be laughter
and chocolate
and freedom
and time
for you go up the hill,
where you might find
the one who was crying
flying her kite
and ready to sing with you
a new song.