Beautiful dust

Looking ahead to Ash Wednesday...

Remember that you are dust

and to dust you shall return

Some days it seems we hardly need a reminder

of our mortality

Creation cries out

in protest

at our stewardship

of resources

Our city streets

and parks

are littered

with all the signs 

of austerity

of a failed welfare system

of broken relationships

of those who have fallen

through gaping holes

never mind cracks

At every turn

we are confronted

by our frailty

So as we don ashes

in the midst

of brokenness

our own

and others’

may we resolve

to hold space 

for one another

Space in which

each is seen

and heard

valued 

accepted

loved

held in light

recognised

as beloved

And may the ashes we wear

signify 

kindness

generosity of spirit

unfailing love

tenacious hope 

and the possibility of redemption

Remember that you are dust

Beautiful dust

and to dust you shall return