They spread the ashes today
dark gray and chalky white
most fell to the ground
some clung to the damp blades of grass
others nestled in the cracks
between the fallen leaves
and the pine bark

the lightest ashes drifted upward
like the mist on a still lake
carried skyward by a breeze
to join the moisture
in the clouds
to fall to earth
with the life giving rains

a robbin shouted loudly
it's farewell
almost drowning out
our human tribute

the rains came as we shuffled away
seeding him deep
within the soil
like our sorrow
planted his image
deep within our memories

I was lucky to have known him
even if only for a brief time