Ash Wednesday 2010

 

A somber line center aisle single file

It has been a long year of definition

I am bowed low with shame, for awhile

 

Thought I'd bested the human condition

O what a farce confession and pardon

Shy sinners don't look for recognition

 

But once I felt the ash cross go on

And remembered my dusty creation

Sin's real again, but God's forgiveness won

 

So why this annual self flagellation

Is not behavior out, self-esteem in?

Nature competes with sanctification

 

Ancient worldviews include personal sin

Name for personal, corporate failure

God has ultimate plan, his fight is within

 

Ashes are symbolic, a helpful signature

From tradition taking Sin seriously

Humans are God's forgiven creature