Ash Wednesday 2002 at Lutheran Theological Seminary

Postponed
Ash Wednesday passed
With little thought
And no ashes.
Sandwiched between
Tuesday’s Lunar New Year
Thursday’s Valentine’s Day
There was no time,
No interest,
No one.
Instead of an announcement
Of the forgiveness of sins,
A change of schedule.
Which after all seems appropriate
For forgiveness marked on calendars
Spoken with liturgical propriety
Misses the point completely.
Like ashes washed off by noon.
This year, grace words
Come daily along with blossoms
Bird songs and spring rains.
This year repentance is surrounded
Before and after by promise
Love and laughter.

David Kaiser
Visiting Professor at LTS 2000-2003