Fire with lapping tongue <br />crackles bright and heating air <br />we gather round and stare <br />casting long shadows everywhere. <br />Fire with lapping tongue <br />consumes the air we all live on <br />and with a beauty of its own <br />destroys the fuel from which it's grown. <br />Ohh fire with lapping tongue <br />in your small place, you're so at home. <br />We all feed you to sustain <br />your fiercesome freedom that's constrained. <br />When the night draws to a close <br />and all are thinking of repose <br />we leave you to your plight. <br />Your ambers shine on into night <br />and in the gentle morning light <br />your ashes are a sombre sight.<br /><br />David Taylor<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/speak-gently-2/
