The Ash Remains

After the transformation of the burn 

the ash remains

What we have been gifted with and  learned

is embedded in our brains

After the fire warms our inner souls

We go to sleep and dream

Releasing the fear and  the anguish of paid tolls

We recall the knowledge we have gleaned

The ashes are the reminder of times of hardship

We made it through the intensity of the heat

Perhaps we found great love or friendship

In life's battles we tasted triumph or defeat

The ash in the air floats after the volcano erupts

It covers all in its path, leaving a distinct calling card

Cleansing away our thoughts, nasty and corrupt

 Bringing a softer surface, where before it was hard

Let the ashes of your past teach you to your core

Recall the joy, the ecstasy, the sorrow

You will find the tears are needed no more

As you look behind to heal and then usher in the morrow  

My ashes have floated in the air with yours along our path

The path intersected when it was meant to be

I wash myself in the memory of these ashes, a soul bath

Thank you, kindred soul, for transforming along with me 

After the transformation of the burn 

the ash remains

What we have been gifted with and  learned

is embedded in our brains