Trust

trust the fallen ashes
those wispy reminders of change
their image conjures faith
like my breath teased up the fire

they might have been
the caterpillar's bonds
torn loose and
scattered lightly

or my loved one's body
prepared to dissolve
at last
into an ocean

who knew gray
dust could be so powerful
could demand such courage
and inspire us gently

to surrender
to let go

just as the ocean's
ever-changing roar
instructs us
for now