A Chaplain's Confession

Written by David Chacko

Feeling lost and out of place David looking at camera and smiling
In hallways so long and drear.
Can I keep up the pace?
Am I supposed to be here?

Knocking softly, not knowing
What awaits beyond the door.
Joy or grief overflowing
Or could it be something more?

Eyes in tears, faces glisten.
What am I supposed to do?“
Oh, chaplain, please just listen:
I am Jesus . . . and so are you.”

Am I in the way? I worry.
A voice whispers: “I am near.
Breathe -- Trust Me -- There’s no hurry.
You are supposed to be here.”

David Chacko is a Summer 2021 CPE Intern at CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Health System, San Antonio, TX. He attends Assumption Seminary as a seminarian for the Archdiocese of San Antonio and is studying at Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, TX. He wrote this poem at the midpoint of his Summer CPE experience. David can be reached at david.chacko@christushealth.org