Res Erection by Michael Murray

It happened at different times,

I was about twelve years old

When blood began to flow in foreign territory

Causing parts of me to move

From six to twelve o’clock. 

It happened at different places too,

But it always happened

While kneeling at Gesu. 

What were the nuns thinking

Placing uniformed prepubescent boys

On their knees, hands folded

Behind girls in less than knee length skirts? 

There’s something doggish about kneeling-

Glaring at girls backs

Nothing between them and you

But a gum-covered wooden pew.

A half clothed Jesus would stare down 

From on high,

But He looked at the ground,

Not my eyes

Transfixed on young thighs. 

Author bio: 

Michael Murray resides in Cleveland, Ohio. He is a yoga instructor and works part time tending bar. In his spare time he enjoys cooking, traveling, spending time outside, and seeing live music. Michael is especially fond of the band Phish.