The Book was Gerard Manley Hopkins.

Paul considered himself
A decent Catholic.
Mary entered large
But not as large as Her Boy.
English prof, head of Department
Boston College.
Poet, biographer.
Gerard Manley Hopkins, for one.
Priest, poet, penitent, word painter was Hopkins.

Decision made to enter
Thirty day Retreat
At seaside Jesuit Abbey.
Wife Eileen at home
Bearing with the separation.
But Paul knew he
Needed separation.
The Exercises of Ignatius Loyola.
A review of that man’s heroic life.
Heroic struggles, meditations.
Eventual grouping of the Jesuits.
Martyrs many.


“Paul let’s talk at ten thirty.”
Mentor, pathfinder J.J.
Passages of Word from Isaiah,
Matthew, Hosea, Psalmist.
Sections from The Exercises.
Quiet times in bedroom or
Picture window Book Room.
Refectory Table.
What was Adam’s sin?
Today’s front page bad stuff
My sin?
How dies one perceive Hell?
For Hitler, or for oneself?
What is the assured
Road to Redemption, Rescue, Relief.
Repentance. Right thinking.
Friend J. J. Had wept, bled, trudged
Through all the stuff. Real currency now.
And through Satan’s worst.
Boredom, fatigue and bitched memories.

Paul was determinedly in for the
Four weeks and salty air.
And rest as laid out in
Hebrews 3 and 4.
Had just covered the first week.
The breaking to make
More room for Christ.
More room for others.