Fire
What makes a fire burn
is space between the logs,
a breathing space.
too much of a good thing,
too many logs
packed in too tight
can douse the flames
almost as surely
as a pail of water would.
So building fires
requires attention
to the spaces in between,
as much as to the wood.
When we are able to build
open spaces
in the same way
we have learned
to pile on the logs,
then we can come to see how
it is fuel, and absence of the fuel
together, that makes fire possible.
We only need to lay a log
lightly from time to time.
A fire
grows
simply because the space is there,
with openings
in which the flame
that knows just how it wants to burn
can find its way.
-Judy Brown
To what degree are you building open spaces in your life? Are you giving yourself any space for reflection? Are you giving yourself any space for fun? Are you giving yourself any space for rest?
Great metaphor for creating the space, the thoughts helped me make a decision I have been grappling with.
Thanks Deb.
Rick
D: excellent analogy. Our lives and our work can sometimes have too many logs and other times not enough fuel. Getting to balance, to sustaining the flames is no small task.
Juan C.
Glad to hear it Rick.
Great to hear from you, Juan.
Love this poem, Deb. I’ve used it for years with groups when creating open space for reflection at the beginning of a session.
I’m still wondering when we will meet. I have no doubt that our paths will cross as I feel that we are moving in the same direction, guiding others while exploring our own depths.
Bless.
~ Maketa
Deb,
I had a conversation with Joyce Weir thirty years ago and she told me to look at the spaces. I did not understand fully what she meant at the time.
Your metaphor is perfect. Reflection, fun, rest, etc. are necessary for balance in my life.
Thank you for posting the narrative.
Bob
Hi Maketa,
It does look like we are traveling in the same direction. Looking forward to the path crossing. :)
Hey Bob,
It’s been way too long. Delighted that this poem provided a spark of insight. :)
I love the way you think! And watching a fire burn is so relaxing and meditative. Thanks for reminding us to put that spark in to our lives, create the space and watch what happens.
Lovely to hear from you Joy. Thank you.