Gather unto oneself

the twigs, sticks, and

palm sized sources of

kindling.

Arrange upon the driest

of ground, in a fashion,

most closely resembling a

tepee.

Forage for dry leaves,

wood shavings,

paper, or other small

combustables.

Arrange volatiles

beneath the angled,

tepee eaves, in a bunched

fashion.

Search pockets for

flint and striker, and

move hands close to

tinder.

Scrape. Scrape. Scrape.

Continue, as sparks fly

from metal, until,

ignition.

Flames lick ravenously

at the fuel, and

oxygen feeds its hungry

tongues.

Collect logs of girth

and length. Stack atop

the short, gleaming, conical

pyramid.

Stand at a distance,

breath the crisp air,

smell the ashes of

immolation.

Watch the eager flames

slowly spurt, climb,

pulse, and spiral

upward.

With patience, these flames,

soon do precisely

as their nurture

intended.

They increase in ferocity,

size, and soon, there is

brightness, warmth, and

peace.

Humbly yours,

J