Ode to a Hedgebrook Woodstove

 Dark sturdy cradle of spark and crackleEmbossed with fishers of wordsWe prod, fan, blow For that breath of warmthSpark of ideaFlare-up of phraseSap bursting with flicker, crack, hissTill flames engulfSurge into lifeAnd words scorch page. Discarded phrases fuel the fireNeglected to a glimmerTill wood and words discreetly placedKindle again, set sentences sizzlingSeeking oxygen, time, new fuel -Plank with bark or burly chunk? -To feed a glow that sears the mindA conflagration roaring. Tongues lick through woodTongues singe the pageSplendor flares, flames out, and dies -Until ferocious, hurlingOne wild hot spit out into airTo start the fire next time. Diana Reynolds Roome