Ash Tuesday
Each year as Lent begins,
ashes on our foreheads
give us stark reminder
of our fragile state;
yet we were not prepared for
fathers, friends, firefighters,
neighbors to be thrust
one sunny New York morning
into a crematorium.
I want to scoop that ash
into holy family urns
for display on mantles
spread across this world
as a reminder of
how perishable we are,
what seeds of hate can grow,
how bound we are together,
what love must overcome.
Let this terrible Tuesday
begin a worldwide Lent
of prayer, self-examination,
repentance and renewed
heart determination
to shine forth light and serve
a Lord of life and love,
until from earth’s great ash heap
every body rises.
Join the Conversation
You are invited to respond, in verse or prose, to Anne Grizzle’s poem. We would love to hear from you.
 Anne Grizzle is an author, spiritual director, social worker and retreat leader who lives in Washington, DC. She offers training seminars and consultation on family of origin, conflict resolution, communication skills, family spirituality, and contemplative spirituality. Anne serves on the boards of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, Leighton Ford Ministries and Amistad Mission. She is co-founder of chapters of Women of Vision in Houston and DC.
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