Vestige of Glow

Photo by Gabrielle Johnson, Chasing Horizons Photography

A Poem by Kristine Amundrud

We have this hope, hidden

unstirred under last season’s ash. Suffocating 

lungs strive––cave in––cough disbelief. 

We lose our drive. Disheartened

in soot-stained garments, towards 

a vestige of glow, we fumble. 

Where light once lingered,

now it grapples to breathe––

coming to blows with death.

What coals consumed must first be crushed?

These days spent combing through 

cloud, past blackened remains, 

stir up anointing, or spit me out! 

Hold fast to the promise

of breakthrough when 

your cinders will burn white 

in defiance of night, 

a restorative roar.

Kristine Amundrud is a Canadian poet of faith living in Northland, New Zealand. She finds joy in dreaming alongside her husband, and their three children. Inspired by nature and healing story work, Kristine endeavors to stir up emotion in the reader. She loves friendship that goes beneath the surface. Connect with her on Substack @kristineamundrud or Instagram @kamundrud.