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My Daughter in Church
by Renee Emerson
Across the aisle, my daughter sits with a row of girls in Sunday dresses, bright as so many persimmons, pens poised as the preacher tells us Abraham still believed God was good as he lifted the knife over his bound son. We stand to sing a closing chorus, pianist with her back turned to us. The bulletin marks my place. My daughter pales and sways— my Victorian heroine, prone to fainting—not enough water this time? Locked knees? Wavering, she lifts her hands through the hallelujahs. I reach her just in time, and later teach her you can praise from down low, praise when you can’t stand.
Originally published in Ekstasis Magazine
Renee Emerson is a homeschooling mom of five, born and raised in west Tennessee. She is the author of several poetry books, most recently Church Ladies (Fernwood Press, forthcoming May 2023). When not doing the dishes or trying to get her two year old to wear clothes, she can be found writing poetry, walking outdoors, and reading aloud to her kids. She reviews books at reneeemerson.substack.com and her website is www.renee-emerson.com.
Photo by Debby Hudson on Unsplash
So, so good, Renae! I loved seeing your name pop up in my feed!
Love this poem, my friend. So grateful for that last stanza in particular.