Comment from BeasPeas

Excellent

This is outstanding, Vance. Thank you for sharing this. I am just reading it now, but it is very meaningful to me as I just lost my (ex) husband/housemate in January. His ashes are with me here in my home, but he is here in spirit as well. He has begun a new journey of his own; one all of us will be part of eventually. Your poem deserves an exceptional rating of stars. I have only five at the moment, but consider it a six. Marilyn

 Comment Written 23-Mar-2018

---

reply by the author on 23-Mar-2018

Thank you so much Marilyn, for your lovely review and warm virtual six stars! It is always a joy to hear from you but sorry to hear of your recently lost friend! I will say a prayer for him right now and blessing always to you, very dear one! Vance

reply by BeasPeas on 23-Mar-2018

Thank you, Vance. An amazing poem. I have printed it out for rereading. Marilyn

Comment from Treischel

Exceptional

These sentiments expressed so well in this Free Verse poem about cremation and death touch the heart of any grieving soul. The words are a comforting blessing. The imagery is profound. Thanks for this poetic outpouring of the heart. So moving. Every verse speaks volumes. I particularly like this one:

This sacred dust of transition
Is the repository of wisdom
Weightless stones of living spirits

 Comment Written 09-Mar-2018

---

reply by the author on 11-Mar-2018

WOW! what a wonderful experience to get two reviews in a row with outstanding perspectives and uplifting remarks from someone to which I hold such high regard for poetic expression and overall wisdom of life in general! Thanks so much again, you have made my day! Blessings always! HIS GRAYNESS; Vance

Comment from RGstar

Exceptional

This is a powerful write, my friend. A potent and philosophical outlook, where the reality of life are in focus having gone full circle. Not a despairing or meaningless action, but a celebration of a life completed.

This is the best I have read today.
My six stars for sure, my friend.
Have a great day.
RG

 Comment Written 05-Mar-2018

---

reply by the author on 05-Mar-2018

Thank you sincerely dear friend, for your lovely words and generous stars! your words are always a precious gift as i do so appreciate and respect skills and your perspectives! Blessings always! Vance

Comment from Mustang Patty

Excellent

Hi, Vance;
Over the past month, death has touched me more than ever. I lost a good friend at the end of January, and now one of my closest friends is facing cancer. I am facing the Grim Reaper with all of my might. I will not let him win.

thank you for sharing your poem,

~patty~

 Comment Written 04-Mar-2018

---

reply by the author on 05-Mar-2018

Thank you dearest Patty for your lovely review and stars and know that my prayers go with you always! Vance

Comment from MissMerri

Exceptional

This beautiful free verse speaks volumes and teaches an important lesson at the same time. The ashes of the departed souls remind us to taste and feel the living while we can and to enjoy each other while life permits. Compassion is such a crucial element in this process. We are all so different yet so much the same in our basic needs. Why not be accepting and give love and compassion to all we meet? This is a beautiful reminder Vance and I'm so glad I found this exceptional poem this early morning. Thank you. MM

 Comment Written 04-Mar-2018

---

reply by the author on 04-Mar-2018

Oh my very dear and special MM, your words have opened my day today with joy and gratitude for knowing my work here has touched you in a positive and uplifting way! Thank you so much for your kind and meaningful thoughts and lovely stars as well. love and Blessings always! Vance

Comment from kiwigirl2821

Exceptional

hello Handsome :)

"These are the ghosts of Holy Choirs
Singing hyms of joyful forgiveness
These are the jewels of human legends
Blessed with the wealth of understanding"

Yep that's my personal favorite stanza of this write. You have a way of going deeper into your environments, to look below and feel the vibrations of life left of this earth and yet put them into the earthly understanding of love. Who wouldn't be able to understand such words and almost a holy longing for the unknown, the blessedness of restful sleep and rejuvenation of barriers between the here and now and the long deep sleep of unknown or possibly as you state:
"These are the shrines of contemplation"

Man I wish I could write like this my friend. It moves me deeply each time I have read ...

Hope you are well.

xoxo Kiwi (deborah)

"Better that we know that and enjoy each other and each moment Now" so true xx

 Comment Written 03-Mar-2018

---

reply by the author on 03-Mar-2018

Wow! What a sincere and genuine treat to hear from you and thank you so much for your very inspiring words in this lovely review! I only wish I were able to be with you this very moment and share the joy of your lovely thoughts! I would promise to make it memorable! Bless your lovely heart dear one and please stay close! Love and hugs! Vance

reply by kiwigirl2821 on 04-Mar-2018

Now Vance no fair making a lady blush lol xx d

reply by the author on 04-Mar-2018

These are the joys of love and gratitude that melt their soft wax of warmth and peace upon the beings who seek enlightenment and light!

Comment from Sandra du Plessis

Excellent

A very well-written heartfelt and thought-provoking poem. I used to go to the graveyard often as part of my work and often wonder about the people laying in their graves for many years and the only sign of their existence is their headstone.

 Comment Written 03-Mar-2018

---

reply by the author on 03-Mar-2018

Thanks so much Sandra, for your lovely review and stars! I always hope to hear from you and I love all of your works so much, so you are a real gift in many ways! Blessings always! Vance

Comment from lyenochka

Excellent

Wonderful meditative exhortation, Vance! It makes me realize how much we need to express love now before we all "blend in the ash." Perfect for the Lenten season.

One grammar point:
"Fired on the hearth of destinys fury " (destiny's)

 Comment Written 02-Mar-2018

---

reply by the author on 03-Mar-2018

Thanks lyenochka, for your lovely review and stars...always appreciated, in all ways! Blessings always! Vance

Comment from rama devi

Excellent

Mark the moment indeed. This is a powerful, highly original free verse, dear Vance. It has a rich elevated overtone of spiritual wisdom. Eloquent and flowing. Full of insight and fine imagery.

I particularly love this stanza:


These ashes have fallen
Upon the alter of hope
These dark leaves yet
Hold the light of eternity


And this is my favorite:

This sacred dust of transition
Is the repository of wisdom
Weightless stones of living spirits


ONE SPAG:

Fired on the hearth of destiny(')s fury
Now laid here to teach us love

The above two lines gave me goosebumps- superb AHA!


LOVE THIS CONCEPT:

Close your eyes and see yourself
In the face of everyone you meet

YES:
Find the courage to feel compassion

Spag suggestion:

For(,) one day(,) each of us
Will blend together in the ash POTENT LINE


Good closing note:

Better that we know that
And enjoy each other
And each moment
Now


Wish I had a six.

Love,
rd

 Comment Written 02-Mar-2018

---

reply by the author on 03-Mar-2018

Oh, my dear, beloved friend, how your words have made my day! To know that these words and thoughts have touched you is almost a good as being there to share a warm HUG...which someday I pray will happen! Blessings and Love always! Vance

reply by rama devi on 03-Mar-2018

Indeed! A warm hug is how it felt to read! Thanks for your enthusiastic response, my friend.
Blessings and love, rd

Comment from Gert sherwood

Excellent

Thank you Vance for re-posting this deep meaning Poem of how God created man and woman from dust and how we return to dust
This part is expressed so well

These ashes have fallen
Upon the alter of hope
( Vance do mean altar or alter
These dark leaves yet
Hold the light of eternity
Gert

 Comment Written 02-Mar-2018

---

reply by the author on 03-Mar-2018

Thanks so much Gert, for your lovely review and stars, and thanks for the tip on the spelling (which I will have to look up?) I must admit that when I write, it's a bit of a mind-dump, usually rapid and urgent to complete before forgetting important points but obviously giving too much trust to precision that's not always present (as expected to be)! Thanks for the tip, and as always, your meaningful messages! Vance

reply by Gert sherwood on 03-Mar-2018

Loads of smiles Vance and you are welcome
Please keep your poems coming,I always love to read them.
Gert