your chinese ancestors
reside on the top
of a steep hill
in a holy
temple.
they are waiting for
you in a crowded village of
canisters filled with
ash.
each still owns an image
& a name.
they want to be
remembered,
they want to be
revered.
white man, black man, red
man, yellow man–
these are your ancestors
& we are one
family.
putting fire to paper
possessions, we placate our
anxieties; burning
incense, we bow many times
to show we
care.
the act of greatest
merit is leading the
living beyond the
dust.