The Revd Steve Sheridan, the vicar of Chester St Oswald & St Thomas of Canterbury, has composed a poem for Ash Wednesday.
This day of ashes sprinkled on my head,
Reminding me of what we should not speak,
That mortal flesh will someday fall and die.
Then eternity my soul shall seek.
What once was strong will wither and decay,
Like all things which are earthly surely must,
All 'round me will depart in this same way,
To take their place returning to the dust.
Yet will my soul live on in some new world,
Where life takes on new meaning after death,
And dwell in company with those who live
In peace with Him who gave us life and breath.