For.the fire.to thrive,
the air needs a free exit.

True, it needs an open space for intake,
but that is not enough  –
if it’s held in, if it is clogged at the top,
the fire will be air-starved,
it will grow cool and dull and orange
and cloud up the glass door,
which, when you open,
will pour smoke into the room

To have a clean fire,
the chimney trap
needs to be free of soot
so air can get out
as freely as it comes in

I’m thinking this is also true
of gifts. That gratitude glows bright
in the breath of generosity,
and love – love needs
a constant letting go.

©Wendy Mulhern
December 30, 2020