Ash Head

Today, while wandering about, I notice something upon some young man's forehead. Some kind of bluish-gray mark that plagued what would otherwise be clean skin.

I thought nothing of it, rather that the man probably did something that allowed him to obtain the mark, and his friends didn't dare say a word in order to avoid embarrassing him.

But then, I saw that marking again. This time, on a man hanging out with his girlfriend (or wife?).

I began to get suspicious.

Then, towards the end of the evening, I ran into the marking once more. And I realized something.

Today was none other than Ash Wednesday. 

(I'll keep MY forehead clear of any ashes, thank you.)