. . (written in 1969)
.
Popping, I leap
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from log to stick
toasting the bark
and frying the pitch.
I play on the edge
of a branch and I grow
bigger and stronger
I flicker and flow.
Watch out for your fingers,
I’ll stretch out to taste them
while crackling and snapping
my very own rhythm.
I’ll warm up your room
till it’s cozy and bright,
then leave behind coals
glowing red in the night.
.
© 1969, “Living Color” 1976, 2012 Betty Hayes Albright
Thanks for the poem-length, comprehensive warming, fully charged all the way to East Central Missouri: “flicker-flame.”
You’re welcome, Paul! Glad it warmed you up. (Do you have snow down there?)
This is so delightful, Betty, one of my favorites!
Thank you, Lauren!
Hi Betty–just popped over quick to nominate you for the Reader Appreciation Award. I know, ho-hum, yawn–no pressure at all, you know the drill. God bless you tonight!!
Oh my – thank you, Caddo! I appreciate your nomination a lot, as you know. Hope you’re having a good day – at least we have a little sunshine!
This is what happens when you play with fire. Reading this, I wasn’t sure if I was the spark or the flame or the remaining embers. Thanks for letting be all at once.
Hi Peter – I think we ARE all three at once. Hmmm…. the trinity of fire…?
Delightful images in the poem…nothing like the sight and sound of a fireplace.
Thank you, SLP – glad you liked this one!
This is beautiful! And 1969, what a year. I wasn’t very old but the moon landing was complete magic for a boy like me. Thank you Betty.
David, thank you! And I’m glad you were old enough to remember the moon landing. That was magic for everyone I think – even for an old 22 year old, like I was at the time.
Delightful poem, Betty – and still, today, one that is enjoyed by children and adults alike. Very nice, I really enjoyed this. ~ Julie
Thank you, Julie! I wrote that before having kids, but they eventually enjoyed it – a few years later. Glad you enjoyed it.
Hi Betty, lovely warm poem
Thank you, Ina!
This made me smile….wonderful!
Glad it made you smile, Celeste!
This is wonderful Betty!
We have a coal fire and it’s a joy just like your description!
But in the morning it is such a different story, quite depressing and in need of cleaning out! But it’s worth it!
Christine x
Thank you for the nice comment, Christine!
Flavored with the true curiosity and magic of a child’s perspective. Captivating and lovely
VW, thank you! (Guess I’ll always be a child at heart… seeing through their eyes. Though childhood is getting to be a loooooong time ago now….)
You made me a child again with the enchantment of this fireplace poem, Betty! Do we ever grow too old to enjoy staring at dancing flames, daring to get closer and closer to the warmth without burning ourselves?
Granbee, so true – there’s something mesmerizing about watching a fire playing in the fireplace over the logs and kindling. That “pop-pop, look out for the sparks” kind of warmth!
Glad you enjoyed this one.
Ahh, there’s nothing like a good fire to make a poem sizzle. When I read your children’s poetry, Betty, I always smile deep down inside. There is so much of your poetry I like, but I would not leave off your children’s poems from any list of favorite poetry I might make.
Thank you, Thomas – I’ll try to dig out a few more of these from my old files.
Wonderful, a living poem, I feel it heats heat and hear it’s popping!! XX
Thank you, Willow!
Delightful! Great job on this.
Thanks, Fergiemoto!!
How playful and delightful – what a fun riddle and rhyme
Thank you, Planaquarium!
Hi Betty! Your work has inspired me since I discovered you!
“I play on the edge
of a branch and I grow
bigger and stronger”
Beautiful!
I’ve nominated you for an award called the versatile blogger award…
for more info visit my page…
http://poeticinvocation.wordpress.com/2012/01/29/gratefully-received-award/
~Jason
Thank you, Jason – I’m honored, and appreciate the nomination!
(a children’s poem)
Delivers exactly what it promises. For thoughtful children of all ages, I think.
Glad you liked it, Ben!
Made me glow all over…perfect for a winter’s day! That it was written that long ago…when you were a child?…is amazing…as it is so fresh and mature.
Thanks, Bardess. I was 22 when it was written – supposedly an adult, but have always been able to access the child within. Sometimes a little too much.