One year ago, my palms were filled with hope, regrets, denial, anger, sadness. I wrapped these unshakable human things in the stiff green fronds they gave us. We bent them into elaborate bows and braids and crucifixes before they were taken away to be burned, to be broken down into something simpler, something basic, something from source.
Today I wear them on my forehead to remember what I walked out of, to remember where I am going.
PS Even prayer cards have Four Square badges these days!
I always forget that the ashes are from the palms. What a striking picture.
Posted by: Abigail | February 24, 2012 at 04:52 AM
The walk and the breaking down of the palms has been a challenging, painful, laborious journey but the ashes express your courage to stay true to your soul.
Posted by: Dragonfly | February 24, 2012 at 10:44 AM
@Abigail--I do too! When I wrote this, I kept thinking about last year's palms, and what they've been doing all is time.
@Dragonfly--I like that. I vote for your interpretation. :)
Posted by: Noel | March 12, 2012 at 05:54 PM