Today we completed the process of taking care of Mum's earthly remains. Since the funeral and cremation, her ashes have been in the living room of our close family friends, Sue and Murray. Her wish had been to have her ashes interred in the churchyard of St Mary le Tower Church, where she worshipped from 1963 until her death. In a simple ceremony, attended by the close friends who supported Mum in her final years, we fulfilled that wish.
Finality
White powder in black earth.
Ashes to ashes
Dust to dust
Ache in heart.
The body that bore me in the womb
Nursed me at the breast
Held me on warm lap
Dust you are
To dust you shall return.
Your earthly remains
Rest by the path
Where bells peal,
Summoning worshippers
Choristers process
Brides walk
Mourners stand
Flowers offer welcome.
Mother
Your warm voice
Always in my ears
Your love
Always protecting
Your eyes in my eyes
Your wisdom in my heart
Until I too
Return to dust.