This is where we put the ashes.
They seldom survive sweeps.
And they are far too precious to be lost.
So, they are here in the closet.
Next to our computer.
One labeled, “j’s mom”
The other, “we think T’s brother”
Will they ever return to pick them up?
We don’t know.
What matters is that the ashes are here
and they know that.
So when the panic arises again and they wonder
Where they are
They can assure themselves: “well at least I’ve not lost those ashes.”
Sparrow Etter Carlson is a co-founder of Aurora Commons and founder of Our Sacred Streets.
Read more of the Jan. 17–24, 2024 issue.