by Patricia Wellingham-Jones

She carried a pinch of his ashes
from the Santa Cruz Mountains
to Kilimanjaro.

Through several security checks
the ashes rode
in a sealed plastic bag

stowed in her purse,
tucked under her pillow,
carried up the mountain in her bra.

Released at the top
to the harsh winds of Africa
the ashes flew with her prayers.

Her body lightened
from the weight of promises,
she started the downward trek home.

via All Things Girl