With the other sisters Thérèse progressed
In prayer from the choir, holy hymns
In her mouth, to the refectory

All silent there as the sisters ate
Stark food and herbs from the garden--
Root vegetables, sorrel for steaming soup, figs

to purge their appetites
from excess or gourmet tastes
from the world outside.

privation was on the menu, no meat
(unless sick), no eggs (in Lent)
no eating between meals

with each bite sisters had to add
a sop of bread reminding them
of Christ, the Bread of Life

the wooden spoons and
wooden bowls evoked Christ's
Cross, the gall and vinegar.

St Thérèse transcended the harsh
diet in the refectory by savouring snow
flakes and indulging in sunsets.

Best of all she found sweetness
and plenty in the Viaticum
an angel brought to her

only a few hours before she
was wrapped in Christ's arms
for the marriage feast in heaven.