Church. My sister is one of the servers. Unaware that I’m there, she approaches the spot at the altar rail where I’m kneeling with my hands out. She stops in front me, carrying the big silver chalice, looks down, recognises me. She rocks back on her heels, her face is still with astonishment, then she smiles and I have to keep my eyes on her black shoes. My lips quiver against the rim of the chalice so hard that I’m afraid I won’t be able to swallow.
— Helen Garner, from a diary entry in 1987 when she was 44 in One Day I’ll Remember This: Diaries 1987–1995.
Notes: Portrait of Helen Garner in 1984 by Ray Kennedy via smh.com.au. ‘A poet in plain prose’: Reflection on Helen Garner’s amazing opus by Kerrie O’Brien.
I’m putting this in the queue…her words really beckon to the reader “come visit”. And I will. Thanks Dave and Happy Sunday morning..
Happy Sunday to you too Mimi.
❤️
i love this diary entry! thanks for sharing <3
So glad.
Oh, Dave. What an exquisite piece of writing! Thanks for sharing 🙂🌱
I have to Wonder what the backstory is, between the sisters…
Christie, that was my background thought too.
Yes!
I have to Wonder what the backstory is, between the sisters…
Christie
A whole Sunday Sermon in a short diary entry. Magnificent ❤️