![](https://i0.wp.com/conciliarpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/bird-phoenix-flight-art-drawing-e1424197326412.jpg?resize=360%2C240&ssl=1)
18 Feb 2015
Rising from Ruin
Ash Wednesday Reflections Tonight, ashes smear Across my face From priest’s thumb— Sin’s dark drear Mingled with oil Leaves a smudge On my skin And my soul Last year’s palms Burn deep upon My flesh and In my memory— All I see Is ashen, grey, Charred remains of Promises and dreams I peer inside At my soul Crumbling to coals Dead and lifeless— Not a spark Or an ember Of élan appears To