Firelit

in firelights glow i sit
surrounded by redwoods over 500 years old
who dwarf me in thought and mind with all they have endured
while immutable testimony resides
they are speechless as I am not

i gaze into these flames
flames real and yet of my heart
and wonder at the hands that formed this burning post
from the redwoods i love and gaze at each day
who formed the iron lock?
still with hammers blow inscribed therein?

who formed their life and loves and what remains?
except the silent testimony of a life lived and a hammer
beating metal that last for a century
buried in wood revealed by fire
fire once so intense metal flowed
love blossomed,
shaped by hands long dead.

I am brought closer to my own past and future
forcing questions upon me of what matters and what last
while answers are uncertain
i ask the questions.
creating a life well lived with love
with community and answers answered
as best they can.

as i gaze into firelights glow
the raging love in my heart
for you, for what was and will be.
I'm tied to the past with fire and love,
Love and fire.
i know not where it leads …. only where i will go.

david mccullough
October, 2014
Camp David West