Sins of Youth I committed my first crime at seven years old, egged on by three neighbourhood boys. My desire to be noticed brought fruition to the plan, one flick of the hand, lay between me and my prize. At the village shop, a vegetable stand, stood as an oasis to my timid youth. I grabbed a carrot prize, my hand smeared with earth and sweat, stealing wasn’t enough, I must prove myself, with a bite. This was no apple, but I became Eve, guilt left its bitter taste, my Eden too, was gone. God showed his wrath. For days I didn’t sleep, shame gnawed at my insides, I broke down and confessed. Ma didn’t scream, didn’t shout or hit, just looked at me with hurt in her eyes. Ignominy took me to the scene of the crime, I bought repentance for my sin with silver coins. With each passing year, Eden edges close again. But the guilt remains.
Maeve Heneghan 30