You were talking about
camping at your old cabin
with your sister
on the drive to
Bayfield.
You were recounting
how you used to
make small hearths
of stone and sticks.
Small fires,
for a small boy.

When you grew up,
you devoted yourself to
your passions.
building code,
exploring imaginary worlds,
loving family.
You built the hearths
of your life
with solid dreams and goals.
Grown fires,
for a grown man.

In your heart though,
I know
you still carry those small hearths
of stone and sticks.
Small fires,
for a small boy.