Ash Wednesday

A cross of ash on brow
The annual Christian reminder
“Man thou art dust
And unto dust thou shalt return”
Death-remotest in the mind of man
Hence the symbolic landmark
In the Liturgical Calendar
Reitering a cessation from worldly attractions
A brief respite of forty days
From the enticement of
“The world, the flesh and the devil”
To contemplation, fasting, abstinence.
A detour-for the salvation of our souls
Resonating the message
Heed Man!
“Do not ask for whom the bell tolls
It tolls for thee”.

- Jeannette Cabraal