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on the hill above the main street
the Catholic church stands tall
the side door is open
within it’s as we remember
the altar faces the faithful few
the stations of the cross are still fourteen
saints glow in the sanctuary
as they did in my childhood
when the church was packed on Sundays
where I rang the bells
and perfumed the congregation
behind the church the school
has added multiple buildings
to accommodate the multiplying heathens
once upon a time the priests commanded us
to send Catholic children to Catholic schools
these days they preach choice
and pray for more public funding
saints preserve us
Bill Hannan 