Ashes

Everywhere she went She sprinkled some ashes Leaving a part of him Releasing a bit more of her sadness lessening that ache as she celebrated him remembering his goodness I was not everywhere still I took part in the ritual releasing a bit of my own sadness As I remembered him I held back the tears Instead I let a smile cross my lips He had lived his life well His ashes were sprinkled in a family orchard at the base of a tree A place of great beauty Spectacular like his soul His ashes of the end of a dock on lake Okanagan Oh how he loved the beach Wishing to play along the waters edge like the big kid he was at heart But he'd never learnt how to swim Still his ashes floated with ease Now he has no limitations I left a bit of him on a sailboat So he can be carried to new places After all he loved to travel His ashes came with us to Italy In spirit he was part of our adventure I laughed when my mom told me She spinkled him in the Vatican She was gleeful My mom the rebel Playful and brave One of the many reasons he loved her so He was with us in Florence His essences there along ancient streets In vineyards and quaint villages We traveled to the Amalfi Coast Along winding roads More like a donkey path than a highway Mom in the backseat saying oh **** Not usually one to swear Bob's ashes in her pocket I don't know if she thought of him then Later she remembered their time in Greece He was never far from her mind Somehow this ritual Made me smile It is added to my memory Allowing me to be thankful for Bob For mom For a life well lived For a love well loved A soulmate celebrated Appreciated and remembered! For Judy's contest about mom's This poem I wrote about my mom speaks to what an amazing woman she is.