Up from the Ashes

I looked and saw the ashes bleak,
a remnant of a joyful time;
and on my face, bloody streaked,
silent deed bore open sign

Of stain so black that I soon burned
to find myself amongst the dead,
and deepest joys of life to spurn
with misery before me spread.

But soon the ashes 'gan to move
though I was scarce to note at first.
Then came a voice, gentle, smooth,
"Do you not for life still thirst?"

Then, it was a wonder grave
that seized my mind and bade me stay.
And soon unhinged my mind depraved
to see the truth as clear as day.

For soon enough the ashes blown
had cleared away a spot not far,
and voice unseen to me made known
the madness of a heart so hard.

And then, with light that cannot dim,
the room before me was ablaze.
It scorched the blackness of my sin
while I, unsure, still stood amazed.

And finally, he spoke these words
that loosed the evil bound in me,
as wings of silver fast unfurled
and eyes that pierced with gaze now seen:

"I am the one who gave you life
and spilled my blood upon the tree.
Though fallen once from such great height,
I beseech you, come to me!

"For I will show you what you lack,
and burn the evil from your veins;
for mine is rain and thunders' crack
and mine is pow’r to cleanse the stain.

"I beg you hear, O Adam's son,
and stay upon my perfect Way,
for little while and all is done,
and you, in Heavenly house, shall stay."

And I, amazed at all of this
vowed to purge my soul anew,
and after that, divinely kissed,
to wait the time when all is new.