Keeping Fire

Drumming around the fire

Tonight, I am blessed.

Tonight, I am keeping fire.

Not for ceremony, or ritual.

Tonight, I am keeping fire for ancient tradition.

Tonight, I am keeping fire for storytelling.

Tonight, I am keeping fire for drumming.

Tonight, I am keeping fire for making s’mores.

Tonight, I am keeping fire for children playing on a beautiful evening, and a dog, now resting lazily after frolicking with the children.

Tonight, I am keeping fire in celebration of friendship, and togetherness, and goodness in this time of so much pain, so much fear, so much grief.

Tonight, I am keeping fire in memory of those lives that have so tearfully have reminded us that black lives DO matter.

Tonight I am keeping fire in peace.

As the little ones have gone to dream the night away, tended by beautiful mamas, and the dog has found that spot on the couch he likes so much, the embers are starting to burn down.

The only remaining evidence of the s’mores is a couple of forgotten graham crackers.

The drums are silent, and the crickets share their night songs in the cool evening breeze.

I am still here, keeping the last of the fire. Honoring with deep gratitude the trees that gave of themselves for our ancient…and modern human rites.

If you happen while I am keeping fire, rest a while.

Drum with me for a while…you already know how.

Share a story, maybe share what brings joy (or heaviness) to you heart.

I’ll bet we can find some more chocolate and marshmallows…

Or just sit.

Enjoy the warmth.

Enjoy the cricket song.

Enjoy the silence.

When I am keeping fire, all those who come in peace are welcome.

Fire calls to us.

It calls us to survive.

It calls us to thrive.

It calls us to connect.

It calls us regardless of similarities or diversities.

When I am keeping fire, we remember that we ALL need each other.

When I am keeping fire…

Black. Lives. Matter.