Burning Oak   click to hear recording of poem  



I give to you
this fine dry Yule log
of stored sunlight
more fuel for the fire
escaping smokeless
from wooden cells of oak
warming our hearts
with radiant heat
and seducing the stars
with dancing flower flames
on this cold, clear
December night.
 
Is that the soul of love I see
reaching out from glowing coals?
If so, how close to sit?
For burning memories
still seem as hot
as those tongues of fire
that kiss my skin.

A second log from fallen oak
I place into the flames.
Burn...burn...burn...
and do us all some good
you storm toppled tree.
Shall I not resurrect
your glory days
under the sun
in one last blazing
fire of desire?
Shall I not allow
your crackling voice
to teach me once again
the burning ways of passion?
 
My fallen oaks are abundant
from previous storms
of wind and lightning.
Fuel to last forever.
So I place another log on the fire
and I watch the climbing flames
reflect
in new eyes of love
looking back into mine.
And I feel fallen memories
burn
like dry oak
in the warmth of your spirit.

So I place another log
on the fire.

 

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Burden Basket