I spread your ashes
in the bark-bowl of an old tree,
fire's embers red-hot, sizzling,
the last of your radiant beauty
aflame against black night.
Coyote Woman prays, voice and drum,
at the river, asking it to flow,
serene as a dream of atonement,
its song teaching us what it is
to give, to forgive,
and to finally let go.
For Words Count With Mama Zen: to use the list words and write a poem of 60 words or less. I used bark / ashes / to flow / fire / black / old / what / to give. My poem is 60 words, counting hyphenated words as one word.
Oh, that's beautiful, Sherry.
ReplyDeleteGosh. The last two lines are a wonderful prayer after the sharp images of the fire bowl and the flame against the night. Lean serenity up against that lost beauty! Breath-taking.
ReplyDeleteto give, to forgive,
ReplyDeleteand to finally let go.
A slight twist there Sherry but it's classic! The usual cliche is of course, 'and finally to forget'
Hank
The beginning two lines and the last two lines are just amazing and what is sandwiched in between is just as lovely. A lifetime of wisdom, here. But "to let go" does not mean "to forget" at least not to me.
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful poem, Sherry. I feel certain that it springs from a personal experience but you have given it a universal feel.
ReplyDeleteits song teaching us what it is
ReplyDeleteto give, to forgive,
and to finally let go.
Such beautiful lines Sherry.. to finally forgive.. let go and gain some closure seems like a good deal :D Beautifully penned :D
Lots of love,
Sanaa
This is very moving, Sherry. I assume it is about Pup? To give, forgive, and let go -- yes, this is what we all need to find a way to do!
ReplyDeleteThis feels so timeless and sacred...such a beautiful poem, Sherry.
ReplyDeletegiving, forgiving and letting go... some of the most precious things to learn in life - and some of the hardest as well
ReplyDeleteI like it lots, Sherry. The lesson I have personal trouble with is
ReplyDelete"to give, to forgive,
and to finally let go."
I don't want to let go if it is a really bad hurt.
..
What a beautiful song of parting. This brought tears to my eyes.
ReplyDeleteSerenity--nothing brings it like allowing the heart to flow with Nature's. Lovely.
ReplyDeleteto give, to forgive,
ReplyDeleteand to finally let go... needful and peaceful. Lovely Sherry
That is just a wonderful poem ~ love the opening two lines and great finish.
ReplyDeleteAhhh! What a beautiful poem you made with the words.
ReplyDeleteWow, Sherry, those last two lines just strike right to the heart. Beautiful, utterly beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThis has such a timeless beauty to it, Sherry. Love it!
ReplyDeleteThis is so very wise.. and sad at the same time.. a funeral of honor. There is something special with how we pour all the awe of nature into that single rite.
ReplyDeletean enchantment ~
ReplyDelete"to give, to forgive, / and to finally let go."...ah..to learn this...thank you Sherry...
ReplyDeletebeautiful journey - so profound, in so few lines. really well written, quite moving. cheers!
ReplyDeleteps- can't get "bark bowl" out of my mind. such a surprising phrase.
ReplyDelete