Carol O'Connor

Shrove Tuesday

Faith

It starts with an ache,
 
with the asking,
 
with a small pile
 
of ash.

For some, it comes by questioning,
 
for others, by suffering,
 
still others,
 
it's like a hard shell
 
that cracks.

It becomes
 
a belief that needs to find belief.

Sitting
 
Waiting
 
Watching

For how long?

The ruach hums
 
through the body:
 
I Am.

Amidst the music,
 
faith
 
grows in the grace
 
of walking toward Easter.