Without the Fire
Inspired by a Huichol tribal ceremony
Who are we without the fire?
Creatures clawing in the drab wilderness, mistaking trees for men,
fashioning lanterns of artificial light to carve paths of our own design.
Behind us beckons the crackling fire, “walk in beauty, walk in peace.”
Its embers carried away by the wind, dancing ’til death, sparks against the inky sky, as ash they fall to earth.
Who are we without the fire?
We build tall the pyres, to witness the power, the ferocity.
In the swirling blue flames, we are cleansed, purified, fortified.
Given a new name.
The orange wisps scorch what was…once binding, once unclear.
A path now carved by the fire, rich warm earth beneath our feet.
Ahead of us, the brilliance of the fire embraces, pulls us along,
soothing melodies “walk in beauty, walk in peace.”
What was is now among the ashes, lending itself to what is to come.
Not defining. Not condemning. Only consecrating and creating.
We build. We burn. We fall. We grow.
The fire surging, smoldering.
Giving, consuming.
Feathers writing on the sky, “everything is sacred…”
Who are we when the fire is no longer a memory?
When the warmth and brilliance are gone?
When the embers no longer dance,
the fragrant smoke indistinct from dreams?
Who are we without the fire?
Author’s Note №1
You can support my java habit by buying me a cup of coffee.
Author’s Note №2
It would mean the world to me if you would stop by to view my photography gallery.
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Jenita Lawal is a writer, traveler, amateur photographer, entrepreneur, and mother. After 20+years of living the American Dream, she sold everything and packed her suitcases to pursue the life of her dreams. She lives abroad in Mexico with her three teenage boys and loves exploring whenever there’s an opportunity. She’s on Instagram @jlawal_atw.
