My favourite Rosary
is one of many, many Rosaries
that we found
when my mother-in-law, Dolores, died.

It’s a woman’s Rosary
with smooth, white,
translucent beads
that slip so easily
through my fingers.

At some stage
the centre piece metal
has broken
and someone has carefully
mended it
using white thread
that has frayed and greyed
over years and years of Rosaries.

One day
when I’m praying the Rosary
the thread snaps.
Thanks to YouTube
I’m able to figure out
how to repair the Rosary
and one day
I emerge from our kitchen
brandishing the mended Rosary –
Ta-Dah!!!

And as I pray the Rosary again
with beads worn smooth
over the years
and which have passed
from one Mrs Murray
to another Mrs Murray,
I feel a strong sense of connection
with Dolores
who so painstakingly repaired them
before me.

And I offer up today’s Rosary
for Dolores –
May she rest in peace.

© Claire Murray, 14th February 2023