fire-bright faces in winter night

a dog in the distance barks

the sky speaks in patterns of starlight

the fire replies in sparks



the stream is a motionless moment

salmon in the sea swims deep

pregnant with force as a prayer is

spring in the hard earth sleeps



like the snow on the stark spruce limb

coated with ice, then stripped by wind

we melt away and return again

stronger for the tempering flame

stronger for the Saviour's name.



(Cumberland, Ont. -- 25/12/73)