Years later
muffled like new snowfall
this ash
permeating teeth and skin.

Back then, I was still naive enough to trust
Old Jimmy when he offered to fly me
over the blast zone in his beat-up Cessna
the words Scenic Tours peeling off its purple tail.

His latent appetite would later manifest  
on the ride home in his musty Cadillac
the passenger door dented shut
preventing an easy exit.

That day
gray extended
as far as eyes could see
denuded trunks laid to rest
in perfect unison

we flew
for miles and miles
over nothing living

just ash
permeating teeth and skin
fallen matchsticks
and men.

Somewhere between sleeping and dreaming
I roam each night to places far out of mind
the evidence for this is stamped onto my heart
the place where eternity touches my soul
but leaves no trail my finite mind can follow.
Its the knowing deep down a door opens
and angels dwell by its portals, waiting,
waiting to share their love fully, forever.
one day to welcome me into eternities fold.