Lent 1 - Ashes

I am a child of ashes,
a proud sinner,
a waste of flesh and blood.
I am dust, and blind, born in shadow,
shy of the light.
There are worms in my eyes.
My fingers are cracked.

But there is One who bears a torch,
who can rekindle the fire
and burn the corruption
from my torrid bones.
My flesh will slough away,
my whoreish lips curl back,
and I will be incense,
a burnt offering.
When the flames have faded,
like a phoenix I will rise,
new and shining,
immortal,
with no memory of shame,
a child of Your ashes.