  Monday, 10 January 2011  What I see in the flames  This new
year, amid the crack of ice And unspecified threats, I look into
the fire For help and comfort, or advice, As anxious flames leap
high and higher. They're puzzled by the elements they're in,
Crowded down by elephantine shapes In drifts of darkness they
can't contain While in the embers a salamander slips In and out
like a promise to be given.  What promises have you to give? Or
give up on?  I think again about the phoenix And doubt the
promise of redemption When looking at the burning sticks; Yet
think of what is going to happen, Of leaves composting in a bin,
Of yeast cells working through the dough, Of  a spinning top's
brief, trembling spin And the crunch of frozen snow. I promise
that I'll watch the fire Till it gives way to smoke, and the
smoke Has climbed the air and is no longer there.  What promises
have you to give? Or give up on? Or break?   Barrett Bonden
said...  I'm not sure I'd like to be in Lucy's place, given
those three options. Th