Making a Poem with Kindling

May 23, 2026 • Tags: poetry 


Making a poem with kindling
is easy. 

Gather allusions and 
Pine needles.

Of shed birch bark and bony driftwood
Use the former.

Metaphors are useful if they can 
Be snapped with one hand. 

We don't want sawdust or any
Other artificial ingredients.

Leave the coal in the ground. 
Keep the peat in the bog. 

When you feel the time is right
And there is a gibbous moon, 
And you have assembled a party 
Of three or more,

Away from trees and open fields,
Perhaps away from cornfields,
Even away from cities and snowy owls. 
Lay your foundation, place your 
Matches and flints on top,
take ten paces back. 

Wait for rain.

-DR

—♦——♦——♦—

Recent