below the surface

under the ashes
under the crease of skin
flesh bone brain body 
air fire water earth metal
under the ashes
elements of nature
nature made 
by holiness and love

under the ashes 
minds and hearts 
groan and admit 
the need to repent
as faithful penitents
who give, pray, fast 
in secret, in quiet
under the ashes
holiness and love 
sees in secret
and allows life to bud

under the ashes
under the top soil 
into the darkness of mystery
truth is real
seeds break open
roots reach deep 
stems reach up
truth revealed
under the ashes
holiness and love 
sees in secret
allowing life to bud

under the ashes 
we all are 
we all contain
elements of penitents
as seedlings for fruits 
of holiness and love