still life – fire

long strands of orange
shades of yellow
hints of blue 
tango 
together in unceasing 
movement – a chasing 
after the sky

flames curl around the edges 
of the cedar log
snuggling in as close as possible
to the cross-section of rings
each season stacked one upon the other
some of plenty, some of want

at the centre
tiled patterns of cracked black
white and living orange
a surging glow of 
heat burning 
with life even 
as it is consumed

wisps of white 
flakes flutter 
around 
the outskirts blown back 
and forth 
by the ebbs and flows 
of radiating coals

the violent popping 
bursts and flying 
sparks 
at the outset settle 
into the sound 
of a gentle breeze
audible only when
near and still

it’s time 

to put more 
wood 
on the fire

Written by Scott Moore
Illustrated by Landon Wideman

Inspired October 2023