Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Prayer for Ash Wednesday (Poem)

Prayer for Ash Wednesday ✝

Strip me of all
but the mark,

thumb crossing
on forehead,

that I might
let mingle

my spiraling soot
with His blessing

ashed. The burned
arm of palm

once so green
now tendered

free
of want

joins as one
the wind-tunneled trail

from which I came
and the long road

down which I travel
invoking darkness

seeking light:
I'm listening.

© 2011 Maureen E. Doallas
at

19 comments:

  1. GlynnMarch 9, 2011 at 2:09 PM

    Beautiful poem, Maureen. I suppose I say that a lot.

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  2. Cassandra FrearMarch 9, 2011 at 2:14 PM

    Oh, I love this.

    I would love to include it in my list of Lenten posts. I'll add the link myself. Just let me know.

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  3. TK RichardsonMarch 9, 2011 at 4:07 PM

    Maureen, this is lovely. You are so talented. Thanks for sharing this.

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  4. Megan WillomeMarch 9, 2011 at 4:15 PM

    Yes, listening is my word for this Lent.

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  5. S. EtoleMarch 9, 2011 at 5:04 PM

    the strength in this stripping is gripping ... {the rhyme is inadvertent}

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  6. Jacob WoodsMarch 9, 2011 at 5:11 PM

    I'm not an overly religious individual, but very well put together! Nice poetry!

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  7. Diane WalkerMarch 9, 2011 at 5:29 PM

    Lovely, Maureen; a perfect echo of the sermon I heard this morning:
    from oneness to oneness...

    Peace to you, my gifted friend!

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  8. DulceMarch 9, 2011 at 6:12 PM

    reminds me I must not forget there is this day - so especial you've put it, Maureen... and I am not very into these things but cannot help the impact and influence my education made on me... so as to believe this is a day to live in that fashion and celebrate...

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  9. Valerie KamikuboMarch 9, 2011 at 6:21 PM

    I love the quiet expectancy of this piece Maureen... it helps settle me into my own Lenten journey. Thanks.

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  10. RuthMarch 9, 2011 at 6:34 PM

    Ahh, my spiraling soot . . .

    Lovely.

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  11. Kayce aka lucyMarch 9, 2011 at 9:22 PM

    so lovely, maureen - i had never heard until this year that the ashes of this day are from the palm fronds of last year's palm sunday. amazing symmetry.

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  12. L.L. BarkatMarch 9, 2011 at 9:57 PM

    Especially the end. And I think that might be part of what's happening with my little ritual too.

    Thanks for your comment, and the beautiful poem. Truly a gift.

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  13. Your Sister, BeckyMarch 9, 2011 at 10:03 PM

    Very nice Maureen.

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  14. Louise GallagherMarch 10, 2011 at 1:07 AM

    I'm listening too. To your words calling my heart home.

    Beautiful!

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  15. Sandra Heska KingMarch 10, 2011 at 1:00 PM

    Strip me of all but the mark.

    Yes.

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  16. Rob MustardMarch 10, 2011 at 2:51 PM

    Maureen, I am not a religious person, but this
    a stunning piece of writing in any denomination. The images are fresh, evocative, and take me to the 23rd Psalm, a poem to the most cynical eye. I agree with others
    here that you have talent to burn, and I don't
    often feel compelled to say that.

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  17. AnonymousMarch 10, 2011 at 4:53 PM

    The humble, stripped down posture of Lent: listening. I love this poem, Maureen!

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  18. UnknownFebruary 22, 2012 at 10:43 AM

    Exactly.
    Truly perfect.

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  19. Sherry O'KeefeFebruary 23, 2012 at 11:07 AM

    so well tuned. thank you!

    sherry

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