Ashes remain. So we are blessed in the ashes after all the fire is extinguished. The fire does not last. The ashes do. Even if they are carried by the wind, washed by water or buried in the ground. Even if they are put on fire again. They always remain, no matter what.

And because the pain wouldn't cease
And no words seemed to heal
I ceased to look for the ease
That, if found, would release me.

Because I was already blessed.
However I will still lock parts of me,
Away from the need to be confessed
Til the day I deem they are safe to be unlocked...

Will that day ever come?
...
Only time will tell.

roasting asphalt oven
sweat and petroleum pungent
a festival in the truest sense
diversity beyond societal bland
tolerance arches over rainbow
colored heads banging to the beat
the great goddess smiles as we dance
she knows true love when she sees it

sing to the dying sun
draping white shoulders afire
above lahar fields green again
successions of ash and germination
evidence of universal rotation
barren to blessed
sway to the eternal rhythm
bass heartbeat in our chests

You stood behind me, as we watched,
Hands cupping my face
As if they were holding something
So precious.

Your soft touch enveloped me and you leaned in,
Head nestled in my hair,
Kisses decorated my face,
My smiling face.

Your laughter filled my heart,
And all of a sudden I realised that my happiness
was from not the video we were watching but
The person I was watching it with.

Look for the light
in every soul
that walks
upon this earth
extend your hand
in friendship
and show compassion
for the poor
stand tall
for what you
believe in
and don't let
people dictate
how your story
is going to end
reach for the heavens
and be glad
for every breath
rejoice in knowing
that nature
will continue
long after
you are gone
teach the young
how to cleanse
the mighty earth
and heal each other
with undying love
express yourself
in a kind manner
and help the man
that falls to his
own personal demons
we are but fragile
dysfunctional beings
that need the human touch
the one that heals
the sick and injured
be righteous
and courageous
and most of all
forgive yourself
for all shortcomings
and be grateful
for all that you have