Remains

i

What remains?

What remains when 

mortal remains 

are dust?

Born of stardust,

to dust we come,

but what remains?

What glint of gold remains

in memories and dreams

of those whose paths we crossed,

who will themselves in time return

to dust of the earth?

ii

Ancestors 

of blood or tribe

bolster wisdom,

foster grace.  

Unfelt touches

nudge us on;

unheard whispers

give us pause;

unseen gazes

suffuse love. 

Ripples spread 

in streams of life.

iii

What is held

in heaven’s hand,

sustained in being,

small as a hazelnut,

bright as a star?

What remains

in God’s embrace,

when oceans rise

and empires fall,

and stars themselves

return to dust?

What treasure stored 

in human flesh

is cherished, rescued, 

safeguarded

in God’s eternity?

Unending love,

undying light,

immortal fire.