Because she wanted,
To learn that day,
Stepping in to a place,
Fearful of what they'd say.

Aware of the glances,
And the looks, paranoid
Of eyes darting towards
And away, her face to avoid

Just imagined not real,
Not shunned or pushed
Out into the cold
Not welcomed, just hushed

Momentary contact
Strained during prostration
Humbled unity in prayer
forgotten, in muttered invocation

But they both judged
As both sisters watched
Momentarily smiling
Eye contact blocked

Welcomed today?
Perhaps not.

Losing another sister
As she walked out
Lost peace that she hoped
She'd confirmed her doubt

Maybe next time? Maybe not.