Shape and Substance

Matt 6:19-21

Dust and ashes, dust and ashes
gleaned from hearth and window sashes,
cross their pathways on my brow.
I am dust and ashes now.

Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.
Remind me of it if you must:
that I will lose this mortal frame,
lose my grip on place and name.

You are dust, to dust return.
The dead are so taciturn.
Whence we come is where we go:
at last that’s all we have to show.

Shake off the dust, wipe off the ash;
take out your pride with last night’s trash.
The dawning day will start anew
the circle of the false and true.

Dust and ashes, ash and dust;
all that’s left is moth and rust
and what the thieves have left behind.
We have to lose before we find.