Wednesday, February 10, 2016

"Dust Thou Art..."

Ash Wednesday...A day to reflect
on our mortality

Image credit: www.rrcb.org


ASH WEDNESDAY REFLECTION

It’s Ash Wednesday—

Off in the distance I hear thunder
thunder, like the sound of a big bass drum

There’s a BOOM and a BOOM and a BOOM
and a BOOM

like ticking and ticking and ticking
of a clock     Like a pulse     pulsing
Like beats     Heartbeats

Mine—

I’m reminded of time wasted
and time used wisely
of goals realized
and goals not met

Have I said the important things?
Have I done them?
Have I given enough?
Have I loved enough?     Forgiven?
Accepted forgiveness?

Is the world better because I’ve lived?

Have I done what I need to do     with God?

I listen for the next strike to the drum
and the next

BOOM and a BOOM and a BOOM

I don’t want the rhythm to stop

but     it will

I recall our vigil at Joanne’s bedside—
Remember holding my breath, waiting for her next
waiting for each heartbeat     Wishing
my hoping were enough
to keep her

The beat goes on     It won’t falter

until     BOOM and a BOOM…..BOOM
and     silence

dead silence

and that’s it



That’s when God takes over


Maude Carolan Pych


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