Another in the series of fictional people who attend Church...also a note on Communion and children

In the event you have questions or suggestions, like "I would like to know more about this fictional person who attends Church," let me know. I posted this poem on a writer's workshop web site called Frugal Poet. The comment I received, from a poet named Sarah, suggested I fill out this brief poem with more details: color of hair, eyes, does she always sit in the same row, does she take communion. Of course, I am thinking of Sarah's suggestions, but for now this is the poem in its brief form:

Regular Church Goer...
by Peter Menkin

By her quiet
dignity
the elderly widow
is known; her
presence strong
each Sunday.

Some people go
to Church regularly. She
for sixty years.
Same Church.

In her silence,
and in her affection
for others,
one finds a warmth,
uncommon.











Some words about Children and Communion--Note about babies in Church (with their mother and father). Sometimes mothers bring their children to Church on Sunday, and if they are good they stay in the pew. If the baby gets cranky, and cries, the mother can bring the child to a room that has windows to see the Church, so they can see whatis going on at the Altar. The room is also for small children. All can hear what is said, at the Altar, through a speaker system. There is a door to this somewhat larger than small room.

Regarding Communion, we at the Church I attend have a policy towards children taking Communion. Many times I've seen a mother bring her baby to the Communion rail and the minister will dip his pinky in the wine and give some to the baby. Usually, though, children come to Communion at the front of the Church, but they don't take wine or bread. It isn't forbidden to take from the cup or eat the bread, but some don't understand it enough (most perhaps don't), and many are not allowed to take Communion by their parents. Frequently, the child will fold his or her arms, which means they won't take the bread and wine but do want a blessing.

We allow the taking of Communion by children because we believe there is something good about the Communion itself. Communion wine and bread is offered, not denied a child, irregardless of age in the event they are interested in participating. We know some are playing.