This art piece was lying on my sister’s kitchen counter. I picked it up and asked her about it. She said she found some charred wood outside from her outdoor fireplace and experimented with it. She then came inside and added more definition to the flowers with ink. She titled the piece “Out of Ashes.”
I often wonder where our creativity comes from. How sometimes the simplest things can become profound. (My One Little Word this year is Simplicity.)
I played with a haiku form today. Another seemingly simple short form. Out of simplicity, grace.
Out of Ashes
From burnt wood shavings
Flowers grow from buried seeds
Finding breath enoughMargaret Simon, draft
Please write a small poem today and leave it in the comments. Respond to other writers with encouragement and kindness.
Reflections on the Teche 
Love this piece of burn wood and ink. It fits my thinking of out of this mess we find ourselves – what are the next steps to create the new beginnings. Seeds from ashes is perfect!
Lovely art and poem! Can’t say I didn’t take inspiration from you today, Margaret. Thank you.
seeds hidden within
bloom into springtime flowers
with patience and care
Draft, RoseCappelli2026
Rose, I resonate with your beautiful poem, and I see you tenderly planting flower seeds. When I read your poem aloud, I liked hearing the consonance of letters s, n, m, and your short i sounds. I especially like your use of “patience” in your last line. Thank you.
Ah, me. I am growing some seedlings and look forward to their spring blossoms. Patience, yes.
Margaret, your sister is creative like you are. Her artwork is beautiful. Your poem is also beautiful imagery. When I read it aloud, I liked hearing your consonance of letters f, b, s. I love your last line “finding breath enough” it’s your word simplicity and profound. Your ending sounds th from breath and gh from enough slow the reader down, which I think makes the poem even better. Thank you to your sister and you for the inspiration.
wildflowers
rise up from
ashes like
a phoenix
Gail Aldous draft
We sing a hymn on Ash Wednesday that has the words “rise again from ashes.” Your poem reminds me of this sacred song.
I’m glad it reminds you of the sacred song.
I’m in awe of your sister’s art! What a great reminder to be observant, and to play.
Margaret, so gorgeous. What a great idea your sister had with the charred wood and ink. Beautiful artwork and your complementary poem is precious. I especially love “Finding breath enough” That’s all that’s needed.