memory of sun
secreted in pine and oak
released with spark and breath
and the fanning blows
of spring winds
swirling frozen rain and hail
and billowing white clouds
greying the spreading sunlight
into heavenly shafts...

the wood burns
its warmth slides
along the air
in silvery silken veils
of sweet smoke
scenting my weary body
clean of daily drudgery

the water's surface
undulates in all directions
quicksilver curls speed southward
emerald liquid shafts shift eastward
myriad ripples smooth into blue glass
along the lake's golden
sandstone escarpment
polished smooth by a century of winds...

silver fish flings himself
to heaven in delight of spring
once, twice, thrice, and a fourth time
his rings of mirth unfurl
perfect round chains across the water

flames lay flat
across glowing logs and golden sand
then rise up, breathed upon
by strong sighing spring winds
until their tongues
blossom into an orange chrysanthemum

transparent with heat
dancing with sunlight
rising with stored power
from a distant sun
captured in the cells
of sweet white pine...

©2002 white raven

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