Reading by the Fireplace

On a cold or rainy day,

sitting by the fireplace,

listening to logs crackle

and see sparks fly,

inhaling the smell of smoke,

the blaze of flame—

yellow, blue, orange.

With sock-covered feet,

stretched out for comfort,

sipping a hot drink

cradled in the palms,

and reading a

mind-expanding book.

These are the privileges

of being human.

Let's not

indulge in monkey business,

not ban books,

not burn others’ homes,

nor set own bodies on fire

by temptation and ignorance.

Let’s return to this

peaceful, enriching practice,

of reading by the fireplace.

Let's sharpen the conscience,

and banish unnecessary stress.