Dusts

An ember glows brightest—
when it's almost gone
just before the winds scatter its remains
into drifting ashen clouds of memory

We are born from the dust of divine sparks
and blazes forged of an eternal glory
yet our lives tremble within embers
smoldering tongues tasting love and doubt

Our unraveling is woven through the days
along quiet trails of burning carbon
radiating warm life—drawing in cold pain
striving to endure—to kindle peace

And I pray that these cancers and hates
will not spill their angry waters upon us
or fears will not drench us in tears
extinguishing families whose hope burns

Who dares to walk these coals with me?
stalked within this deep pit of fire and dread
then rise up with me—unquenched—
unscathed—unfettered—undeterred

For into dust—we all die—but not yet!