Ashes

Create in me a beautiful heart, O God,

and put a new and faithful spirit within me.

—Psalm 51.10

Take all of who I am,

the me-ness of me,

what makes me who I am,

the special, the unique,

the brilliant and the unpardonable,

all I'm so proud of, and so ashamed,

that I've worked so hard to fashion,

that I'm still working on,

what I can't part with

because there wouldn't be

anything left of me—

take it.

Take it.

I lay it in your hands.

Gather it into yourself,

into your dark, generous mystery,

and in the flame of your creating heart

burn it.

Then into the dust and ashes

breathe your breath,

and with gratitude

I will receive

who rises

when in your grace

you give me

me

anew.