The robed man made a cross on his forehead
With palm leave ashes
Then made his way down the line
Applying an ash cross to each of them
And to each of them reminding
“You are but dust, and unto dust you shall return”
The Kiev bunker was filled with civilians
Volunteers for the Ukrainian Territorial Defense
Who had already endured a week of fierce Russian attacks
Ash Wednesday is different this year
Ukrainians gird for the sacrifice of lent
Like never before
Let them endure this war
Putin pushed his killing carnival
To the peaceful streets of Kiev
Told Ukrainians to bend a knee
If they want to live
Putin may be Fat Tuesday king
With his Krewe of Killing machine
But as horrific parade rolls on
Angels do convene
The world is on Ukraine’s side
Inspired by their grit
Clearly there is right and wrong
And all the world can see it
The last gasp of tyrants is a fearful thing
Likely will get uglier, Putin don’t play
But to all my Ukrainian brothers and sisters
Hang tough, let’s make it to Easter Day
Waipahu Bob 