A Catholic Girlhood in Queens

by Ron Kolm

Her life was:
Frank Sinatra on the radio
Hiding cigarettes
In the top of her uniform
Going to bars on Saturday night
With her daddy
And bowling at the Legion Post
On Sunday.

“You broke your Father’s heart!”
I shout at her.  “You won’t break mine!”

She turns slowly away
Already becoming someone else
And tucks her soul
Behind a barrier unbroken.