teapot1

teapot1

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

ASH WEDNESDAY

This is not in response to any challenge. I wrote this a few years ago in memory of my brother. Still a work in progress.



David Lauble, 1952-2008



Ash Wednesday:
                the sky weeps,
and the loved one lost
recedes behind the gray.
No consolation on this day
                that begins the time of grief,
                the celebration of sorrow.

Black thumb brushes the forehead—
                we are all complicit.
The one who is lost to us,
                the one we need to find—
Black marks on foreheads
solemn procession in the nave
a low ache behind the eyes.

Fasting, abstinence—to go without:
                meat, forgiveness, love
When one you love is lost to you
                crucifixion looms,
                a black cross against gray sky.

     
     
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4 comments:

  1. Amy MorganFebruary 22, 2012 at 9:37 AM

    So poignantly heartfelt Elaine. I can feel your loss in this beautiful piece.

    ReplyDelete
  2. MichaelFebruary 22, 2012 at 2:19 PM

    A warm and genuine poem. While the words are open to interpretation, your feeling and sense of loss is clearly evident.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Karen Jones GowenFebruary 26, 2012 at 2:12 PM

    Hi Elaine. I am visiting from the A to Z Challenge, getting a head start on finding some great new blogs. Nice to meet you. The poem is heartbreakingly lovely, and the photo you posted with it makes it even more so.

    KarenG

    ReplyDelete
  4. MBFebruary 26, 2012 at 4:05 PM

    Hello! I'd like to give you The Versatile Blogger Award. You can get it here: http://pleasing2theeye.blogspot.com/2012/02/versatile-blogger-award.html
    Cheers! :)

    ReplyDelete

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