Thursday, June 25, 2015

Ashes and Bark



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. 

22 comments:

  1. Gosh. 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.

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  2. to give, to forgive,
    and to finally let go.

    A slight twist there Sherry but it's classic! The usual cliche is of course, 'and finally to forget'

    Hank

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  3. 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.

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  4. This is a beautiful poem, Sherry. I feel certain that it springs from a personal experience but you have given it a universal feel.

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  5. its song teaching us what it is
    to 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

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  6. 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!

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  7. This feels so timeless and sacred...such a beautiful poem, Sherry.

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  8. giving, forgiving and letting go... some of the most precious things to learn in life - and some of the hardest as well

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  9. I like it lots, Sherry. The lesson I have personal trouble with is
    "to give, to forgive,
    and to finally let go.
    "
    I don't want to let go if it is a really bad hurt.
    ..

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  10. What a beautiful song of parting. This brought tears to my eyes.

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  11. Serenity--nothing brings it like allowing the heart to flow with Nature's. Lovely.

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  12. to give, to forgive,
    and to finally let go... needful and peaceful. Lovely Sherry

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  13. That is just a wonderful poem ~ love the opening two lines and great finish.

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  14. Ahhh! What a beautiful poem you made with the words.

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  15. Wow, Sherry, those last two lines just strike right to the heart. Beautiful, utterly beautiful.

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  16. This has such a timeless beauty to it, Sherry. Love it!

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  17. This 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.

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  18. "to give, to forgive, / and to finally let go."...ah..to learn this...thank you Sherry...

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  19. beautiful journey - so profound, in so few lines. really well written, quite moving. cheers!

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  20. ps- can't get "bark bowl" out of my mind. such a surprising phrase.

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