The New fires

The last fires burn outside. The bonfires send flurries of scarlet sparks up from their embers; the flames have been engulfed by night and end October's brilliance and fulfill November's overcasts and new necessity: now is the essential time to turn to hearths and light the logs and let them be a comfort to you as you watch them burn. Books and thought and quiet conversations the apple bowl, popcorn, the heated cup, replace the shouted joys and celebrations about the open fires where we held up marshmallows and franks to roast. It is courteous of fire to furnish warmth for everyone, encouraging us and keeping faith with us who, for a little while, have lost the sun.