Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration Arita Dopkins is honored as March's Poet of the Month for her expressive poem, "Ash Wednesday's Hope." Through vivid imagery and reflection, this poem explores remembrance, sacrifice and the promise of renewal in the spirit of Ash Wednesday, shared in loving memory of Sister Arita.
Ash Wednesday’s Hope
ASHES...
REMEMBERING...
Ashes: drab... gray... gritty...
Mute, cold evidence
Of light and heat bestowed,
Scattered with reckless abandon
To all comers.
ASHES...
REMEMBERING
The scent of roses—red, vibrant...
Green-green-brown of forest verdure...
The gentle murmur of wind-frolicked leaves.
Life poured out, spilled, drained...
Lived anew, warmed and lighted ones.
ASHES...
REMEMBERING
Hosanna’s days burned out
In the stickiness of blood-drenched wood...
Coming alive again
As the Father re-members
His Son—
Then... all of us!
