The Ritual Poem by Barry Middleton

the ritual of fire is life
the greatest gift of all

it warmed the neolithic cave
preventing every harm

it lit the dark and frightened night
it nourished every meal

it cared for us in winter time
and waited for the spring

the ritual of fire is life
elusive like a god

essential as transcendent waters
for every breath of earth

and yet the fire is not alive
it only gives us life

and waters are an empty sea
when there's no star in sight