Ashes

A Dark cloud of ash

pours from the golden urn.

The sea breeze catches it

whipping it around

so that it dances gracefully

skimming the tops of the waves

a hazy reminder of the life

it once was.

It hovers

beneath blue

sky and water

undecided

ashes of a body

shadow of a soul

now free.

A golden shaft of sunlight

pierces the haze

as a sudden gust of wind scatters it

invisible fingers

carrying some up

into the azure blue

toward Heaven

Other ashes dive into the waves

gleefully

as the tide pulls them out farther

into the deep

to explore hidden crevices and secrets

A few ashes sweep inland

on the breeze

Toward green mountains

Finally settling to rest

deep in the peaceful forest

One far reaching finger of wind

pushes part of the shadow

toward the desert

where it mingles

with the orange and brown

dust

Until all the ashes are gone

at one again

with sky

ocean

mountain

desert

earth

The spirit whispers in the wind

As unseen fingers

brush at the tears of those

who scattered the ashes

They look skyward

and the sun smiles, warming them

and reminding them of the spirit's freedom

the soul no longer imprisoned by ashes.