building fire has been
the best thing i can do
with my kids…
it is about the only
common activity that
brings calm and purpose.
it connects me
to the wider world.
i imagine all the people
using fire to sustain
their lives.

so we build a lot of fires.
in the fire pit.
in the outdoor fire place.
when it’s cold,
in the basement wood stove.

i am like an eagle
watching.
i am like a dog
barking.
i warn the kids
that i will
say the same thing
over and over and over
even though i know
they heard me.

move back
watch your stick
slowly
move back
hold on
move back
slowly

so we made fire
in the rain
with friends
and how lovely
that there were
marshmallows
in the cupboard