Cupped hands hold ashes
up to wind.
Lighter than sand,
heavier
than feathers,
the ashes
….stream,
…………billow,
………………..drift.
Grey clouds
already plump with smoke
….embrace,
……….absorb,
……………….carry
back to life’s realms
….(air,
………..water,
……………….soil),
reinhume, while the humans
wait to inhale, then do.
Drop to knees and place
what remains, grit of bone,
in the fire circle,
now cold, still ready.
This poem was also originally published in the now defunct Buddhist Poetry Review. It will be included in my forthcoming book, Post-Catholic Midrashim. It is available for preorder at https://www.finishinglinepress.com/product/post-catholic-midrashim-by-karina-lutz/.
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