(Alexander Bruckmann Allegorie des Fruehlings 1842)

chosen fate

a life put to the test

for the final time

“If you are the son of God…”

Devil’s words in the crowd’s mouth

Life is not without it’s sense of irony. Valentin’s day falls on Ash Wednesday this year. The day celebrating romantic love coincides with the Christian tradition’s kickoff of the penitential season of Lent. What says love like “From ashes you came, to ashes you return” ? O, the comedy!

But what is love without sacrifice? What is a rose without its thorns? Is not the struggle to love the sign of the human condition?

Especially when so many in need of love do their utmost to not deserve it!

Christians celebrate the traditional forty days of lent to prepare for Easter, a celebration of the mystery of ressurection. And what is the mystery of ressurection but an icon of life renewed, and a love fulfilled to the ultimate degree? Perhaps life, then, has a point in unfolding Valentin’s day and Ash Wednesday together this year. If we’re awake enough, perhaps we’ll get it!

lillies in the field

joy in another spring

as winter passes

seated at the feast

so long in the making

for Colleen’s Weekly 2018 #Tanka Tuesday #Poetry Challenge, No. 70: “DESTINY & CHALLENGE” #SynonymnsOnly

and Kiwinana’s #Weekly Tanka Prompt #Poetry Challenge – Week 83 – Spring & Joy