Rays of light

Walking into the classroom

I noticed the second graders engrossed in their work, 

quietly coloring.

Wandering, 

noticing the work before them, 

The Act of Contrition, 

I bent down and asked what they were learning. 

"The Act of Contrition" piped up one student.

"We have to memorize it" piped up the other.

I asked "Do you know it?"

I was delighted as two students, 

eager to demonstrate their learning, 

began to recite it, 

not once, 

but twice. 

Each time their faces shone a little bit brighter, 

as they basked in their faith.