March 6, 1946

Remember, oh man, that you are dust, and unto dust you shall return.

There is something writhing in my chest again, as Dan whispers the words and runs his thumb across my forehead, leaving a cross of ash there. He prays over me, and recites a scripture I know well:

"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever."*

When he has done his work, Dan invites me to offer up my own prayer.

So I kneel before each of them, hands on either side of their bowed heads. I press my forehead against theirs, ashes to ashes, and for a passing moment I wonder if they can tell to whom I send my prayers, if they can taste the ages on my tongue.

We used the bark of our sacred oaks to make the ash, dark and fine.

Turn away from sin and be faithful to Christ.

It is the beginning of Lent, and we haven't got anything left to fast.

Dust to dust...

From men you were formed, and unto men you shall return.

Lietuvos.


*Psalm 73:26