Ash Wednesday

even with lots of milk
and extra sugar,
i had trouble downing
my bowl of ashes
this morning;

i vacuum up
as many as i can,
but by the time
i empty the bag,
the ash bunnies
are back under the bed,
snickering at my futile efforts;

and after getting lost
with the Church Dog
this morning,
he simply turned around and followed
ashen footprints
back to our house;

now,
they rest at peace
(holy-oiled)
upon my forehead,
while you take me
into your heart,
rocking me gently
as the celebrant
cradles your Body
and feeds me
on your hope and grace.

(c) 2006 Thom M. Shuman