05/03/2025
“Get for me …..”
“....... A big white cat. Like Stray!”
“Shush Emerie! We’re next.”
“From earth you came. To earth you shall return.”... The priest dips thumb in black liquid. Marks cross on forehead.
“Mom, it's itchy! Can I clean?”
“No dear. The ash will dry soon. Then itching will stop.”
“Ok.” …. (Skips). Hand in mother's.
Stops. Points.
“Ewww! Disgusting….” A decaying carcass across the road.
“..... all that flies. And worms. Ewwww!”
“Stray?”
“No mummy. This can't be pretty Stray…..”
“....walk fast. I don't like seeing.”
Mummy smiles. “From earth it came. To earth it returns.”
Happy Ash Wednesday.
