To Light A Fire Is Not For Want Of Flame Poem by John Mackinnon

Sonnet - To Ashleigh 19/7/15

To light a fire is not for want of flame
Nor for the heat that warms us all the same
The fire that starts but for the sake of love
Stays true to words that long will be remembered of.
'First lay the paper under twig, add logs to burn
Both strong and deep', as heart of one who yearned
To share a parents love, that you may now repeat
His lesson for tomorrows fire, life in search of heat.
'Now strike the match that kicks this soul to life
Now watch the flame that licks, that splits the night.'

Too soon long gone his memory, his face, his name
But strong his wish to share with you remains.
Now teach, as taught you were, take care to care
Now reach, as ought you should, as fire for air.