.

Ashes

Before the Lenten ashes fade and thin,
I might remind myself of those regrets
More earnest than a taste for sweets
Or bad TV and that my conscience meets
With frightening ease at times far greater sin.
I might recall the truth the sign abets:
The cross traced on my forehead just reflects
A deeper penance just below the skin.

.

.

Jeffrey Essmann is an essayist and poet living in New York. His poetry has appeared in numerous magazines and literary journals, among them Agape Review, America Magazine, Dappled Things, the St. Austin Review, U.S. Catholic, Grand Little Things, Heart of Flesh Literary Journal, and various venues of the Benedictine monastery with which he is an oblate. He is editor of the Catholic Poetry Room page on the Integrated Catholic Life website.

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6 Responses

  1. Cynthia Erlandson

    Thank you for emphasizing the importance of this day, Jeffrey.

    Reply
    • Jeffrey Essmann

      You’re welcome, Cynthia. Hope all is well with you. Happy Ash Wednesday!

      Reply
  2. Shamik Banerjee

    This is truly beautiful and self-reflective, Mr. Essmann. Loved the rhyme scheme!

    Reply
    • Jeffrey Essmann

      Thanks so much. I love the rhyme scheme, too, but can take no credit for it. I lifted it from Longfellow. Hope all is well, Jeffrey

      Reply
    • Jeffrey J Essmann

      Thanks so much. I love the rhyme scheme, too, but can take no credit for it. I lifted it from Longfellow. Hope all is well, Jeffrey

      Reply
  3. Margaret Coats

    Good minimalist but substantial work for a blessed day. Thanks for setting it here, Jeffrey, and hope the season is fruitful for all.

    Reply

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