Content Warning: These Chapter Summaries & Analyses discuss descriptions of violence (especially domestic abuse), racism, sexual assault, substance use and addiction, suicidal ideation, and a suicide attempt, which all feature in From the Ashes.

The Introduction is a verse chapter, in which the speaker (presumably author Jesse Thistle) describes fishing change out of the Centennial Flame fountain on Parliament Hill while in the throes of “dope sickness” and too ashamed to beg anymore. A Royal Canadian Mounted Police officer who guards the fountain does not stop him, understanding why he is doing so.

Author Jesse Thistle witnesses a fellow inmate in prison being beaten up for stealing; the inmate dies en route to the hospital. Jesse reflects on how he ended up in prison while attempting to save his leg and life.

Part 1, Chapter 1 is a verse chapter, in which the speaker describes a bag he has had ever since his family fell apart, which he keeps with him at all times. It contains everything of his old life. One day, he leaves it on his bed and jumps out the window. When the speaker’s grandmother asks why he did so, he responds that he dreams of dying but knows he cannot take the bag to heaven with him.