The Quest of Fire

Brother Christopher Benedict continues his powers of observation and comment.  Like a newspaper column, this poem by Chris puts a perspective on history.

The Quest of Fire

The discovery of fire spread
like the burning of its flames.
The birth of a fire, nurtured
from the very first spark, was
kindled into a new way of life.
The passion of a fire warmed
animal-covered skins at night.
The heat of a fire gave a whole
new meaning to art of eating.
The light of a fire illuminated
a world which new only darkness.
The power of a fire meant
total, uncontrolable destruction.
The strength of a fire ignited
the imagination of invention.
The wisdom of a fire became
a part of almost every religion.
The meaning of a fire changed
with the color of the flame’s light,
and many people died to claim
to be the master of this technology.