STRENGTH RISES OUT OF ASHES

STRENGTH RISES OUT OF ASHES

The rain has ceased for now

saturated fields flood and

tear-filled rivers cry~acid rain

Sunshine soothes my worn spirit

warming my traumatized body

transposing me to another place & time

rescuing me from hot smoky coals

that burn my eyes; arrest my breath

uncontrollable wildfire that storms

scorching my mind’s eye

All that i was is all that is gone

books and boxes- lost to me

except in my heart and memory

all that i am and can become

is held securely deep within me

Relics of saints, statue of Virgin

metal crucifix from Grandmother’s coffin

scapulas given by spirits past

Mother’s and Father’s urns- ashes

the holy rosary- beads of prayers

strung together

religious symbols I’ve carried a lifetime

And

OUR FATHER WHERE ART THOU

I tried to bargain with you Lord

praying with all the religious in my house

save it and rooms I promise to give

to those less fortunate than me

                                                              -2

BUT

All was consumed by Baptism of Fire

Images of family, friends and me

lost their places ~ now walls of ashes

My pet dove~ the symbol of Peace

Given by my son was cremated

My oldest granddaughter’s baby blonde locks

and the first tooth she lost

so many word strings and art by my babes and grandchildren

sacrificed to appease the Fire Demon

Treasures and gifts for my children and grandchildren

& so many gifts given to me

Liquefied, melted, forged forever together

Amongst the smouldering ashes

THE WINDMASTER TOOK YOU AWAY

FROM THE FLAMES

FROM ME

Now my heart aches to see, touch & know

What’s left of the man I treasure

Flesh hangs on to bone where muscle and strength

Used to be

A skeleton unable to walk side by side with me

And asks WHY?

Your gaunt face constricted

unable to smile

Dementia has taken its toll

you were moved three times

when the firestorm struck

and now

your pale blue eyes stare sharply

pleading for mercy , it seems

but

When I ask if you want to go home

                                                                             -3

You squeeze my hand, crushing finger bones

once again I ask

how can I cheat death- your death ?

this god – my god

this time- our time

We have taken so much for granted

Breathing deeply as we walk through the forest

Smelling, tasting, chewing, swallowing

Thinking, speaking

Blinking, winking

Hugging, kissing, clapping

Wishing, hoping, dancing

Smiling and frowning.

Tears well up as you grimace

I know your feelings of sadness and pain

Please don’t leave- remain

Be gone death

We have lost all material things

You turn your head to hear magpies

To see the wind- fluttering the leaves

You hear voices you recognize

And now as you take your last

Deep breath into me

Your strength and knowing

Above all things- we have not lost

The people we cherish and

Your living Spirit will join Mother Nature

In healing the wounds of

Slave Lake’s Firestorm

Copyright: Dianne M. Tchir July 20,2011