Sister Ass

donkey

St. Francis lovingly referred to himself as Brother Ass —

brother because of love,

ass because like beasts of burden

we require direction from a master

or the donkey of ourselves will bray and kick

through conversations with friends over dinner and wine,

arguments with our husbands about what’s for dinner and laundry,

stubborn and unyielding as stone.

Still, asses require care —

feeding and rest, medicine and shelter,

someone to look after them.

Sister Ass, I’m sorry.

Sister Ass, I think I love you.

Sister Ass, may you be tamed and broken

so you can stay close to your Master,

close to others, close to yourself,

gentle yet sturdy and strong.

2026.© Alissa Birkel. All rights reserved.