The Youth Pastor
We are in the church, the space
where we swayed, arms high,
singing and crying and feeling
the power of the spirit
pulse through us and around us.
He has been circling for weeks,
his eyes resting on her when
he preaches chastity and modesty.
A lift home after evening service.
A hand on her back for a second too long.
The church is quiet tonight.
It smells of candle wax and hymnal dust.
His hand is on her budding breast and she
feels the sick excitement of illicit sweets.
An unsold cow giving milk for free.
“God says it’s all right,” he murmurs,
opening her shirt.
Kate Harper has worked in higher education for 15 years, and has a PhD from the University of York. She is a new writer studying poetry online with Helen Ivory (UEA/NCW).