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My mother called to tell me
about an old classmate of mine who
was dying on the parish prayer chain—
or was very sick—or destitute—
or it had not worked out—the marriage—
or the kids were all on drugs—and
all the old mothers were praying intensely
for all the pain of their children
and for life—they were praying for life—
in their quiet rooms—sipping decaf coffee—
I bet they've been praying for me at times—
so I'll find my way—so I won't rob a bank—
I'll take them—the mystical prayers of old mothers—
it matters—all this patient and purposeful love.
From The Sound of It (New Rivers Press, 2008).
This poem first appeared on The Writer's Almanac.
© by Tim Nolan.
Used here with the author's permission.
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Tim Nolan likes to write poems about "everyday things," as he calls them, from Brussels sprouts to cockroaches. Born in Minneapolis, he graduated from the University of Minnesota with a B.A. in English, and from Columbia University in New York City with an M.F.A. in writing. An attorney in private practice in Minneapolis, Tim is the author of four collections of poetry and his work appears frequently in prestigious journals.
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Lori Levy:
Great poem!
Posted 07/03/2025 01:55 PM
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Larry Schug:
As time churns on, I've found myself writing of the same kind of events and situations this poem presents. I appreciate this so much. And from a Minnesota boy--oh, joy.
Posted 07/03/2025 09:00 AM
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