The Hearth

I have been away. I see you have all been writing and I look forward to exploring your creations. Tonight I meet with a small, local group of amateur poets, and I wrote this for them, and you.

The Hearth

So we gather here again,

A few poets

Closed  in circle  

‘Round a hearth.

You,

You we see brought whispers

of dry curled pine,

And you, 

Such tender phrases,

Slender careful craftings 

Of cedar boughs made.

Yet again you shaped

Hefty words of alder,

Lay them down to loose 

Their warmth just so.

And you dear, 

You shall sing so soft

Of sweet grass and sage,

Smudge the air 

With smoky swirl,

Brush each cheek like

Angel’s breath.

Oh Creator,

In your name

Let me strike the spark,

Let me light our flame.

And you,

Yes you

There at night’s edge,

We see you gazing shyly

 At our Light.

Come rest amidst our Circle,

 Come warm yourself Friend

Amidst the brethren 

Of the hearth.

Reviews

[Vol]

Michael,
I miss the days of poetry readings with friends... sometimes with beer and wine, sometimes with coffee, sometimes with a fire... no, there was ALWAYS a fire.. and love and respect... I miss those days in Nashville.
Vol

[Kelly Scheppers]

How wonderful it would be to actually meet up with some poets and share your views and opinions. I've often thought of the WC that way, wishing it were a virtual meeting ground, like a neighborhood cafe. I'd be there every evening!

[Michael Sun Bear]

Hi Kelly, last night a writer friend who lives in my building took me to a gathering of poets at our local library. The group has been in existence for a long time but I had been totally unaware of it. There were about a dozen people in attendance; we took turns reading new work, offering commentary much as we do here, and it was wonderful. I wish you could have been there. MSB

[Pallavi]

Great work Michael!

Such gentle choice of words 😊

[Michael Sun Bear]

Thanks for reading.

[emmajoygreen]

You have created what seems to be a perfect gathering held in perfect harmony and light. Poets, people of words need safety primarily but a door ajar to possibilities to jive the steps into different places and experiments. I now feel that it is the right place with the right people who invite what might be and then - make it what it can be.

'Oh Creator,
In your name
Let me strike the spark,
Let me light our flame.'

How it can be and - should

[Michael Sun Bear]

Thank you emmajoy for your very thoughtful review. I just woke up ten minutes ago. Your words, along with a strong cup of coffee, are a wonderful start to the day.

[Thomas W Case]

Tremendous work. You bring the scene to life.

[Michael Sun Bear]

Thank you Thomas. Ironically the poem fell flat on its face at the little poetry group meeting I attended, so it’s nice to receive some kind words here.

[Desert Knave]

All the elements from nature are weaved nicely to describe a gathering of poets. Really quite descriptive all the way through. ~Jim

[Michael Sun Bear]

Thank you Jim.

[Neha agrawal]

Warm, gentle, and inviting like a quiet hug in poem form.

[Michael Sun Bear]

A quiet hug! Thank you, what a nice response. michael

[Betty Hermelee]

Such kind and caring words around the hearth...each one contributing something creative to make this moment meaningful to all... you even invite the creator to lighten up the spirit..."and yes you there at night's edge, we see you gazing shyly at our light"...."come warm yourself friend amidst the brethren of the hearth".....well chosen words to set the warmth of this scene.....
Warmly, B

[Michael Sun Bear]

Hi Betty, thank you for reading and writing a warm response. Michael

[Betty Hermelee]

Always a pleasure Michael!
Warmly, B