Ash, gritty residue of charred leaf,
Mixed with oil pressed from olive,
Smudged onto skin stretched over skull,
Traced in cross etched into mind,
Designed to remind:
First is last is dust.

Dust, desiccated remains of decayed flesh,
Melded into mud, molded into muscle,
Fused onto bone, infused with breath,
Faced by choice, enticed by deceit,
Destined to repeat:
Desire begets deed begets death.

Death, fitting return for vanity’s toil,
Decreed with equity, deferred in pity,
Born to humanity, borne by divinity,
Suffered in agony, swallowed in victory,
Exchanged for glory:
Cross gives grace gives life.

Sign of ash on flesh:
I am but dust but for grace.