Ashes

Ashes,
Spread across the hillside,
Result of a wildfire that raged for several days:
My neighbour’s husband was one who fought it.

Ashes
Crumbled in the fireplace,
A hearth at the heart of the home,
Welcome to an everyday warming place.

Ashes,
Blessed to be a sign,
Marking each person who comes
Looking to renew their relationship with the Holy One.

Ashes,
For you and me,
Marking us out as travellers,
Ready for the Lent journey in the company of the Living One.

JAL 06.03.2019
Ash Wednesday 2019