Ashes' Eve

we carefully sweep up
the ashes from our fears,
our dreams, our disappointments,
putting them in a nice, neat pile,
wondering if, like a phoenix,
they might ignite into new
palm branches ready to be used
tomorrow, so we can just skip
this whole dreary season, which
does not suit our idea of faith.

(c) 2024 Thom M. Shuman

Venmo: @Thom-Shuman