Firelight

Sitting in front of the fire, bathed in firelight. On this cold and windy January night. Watching the flames as they dance, red, orange and gold. Feeling the warmth wrap around me, shutting out the cold. I think of sitting like this so many times in the past. Thinking the fire, and the moment would last. That didn't happen, it never could. But at the time I made myself believe it would. For the past few years I have sat here alone. Watching a fire burn merrily here at home. Sometimes memories come to mind, so clear. At other times, I keep them from coming too near. Not wanting to remember times that are long gone, not wanting to forget, needing them to live on.