Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE SACRAMENT OF FIRE by WILLIAM ARTHUR DUNKERLEY

First Line: KNEEL ALWAYS WHEN YOU LIGHT A FIRE!
Last Line: TO GOD FOR HIS UNFAILING CHARITY!
Subject(s): FIRE; RELIGION; SACRAMENTS; THEOLOGY;
Kneel always when you light a fire!
Kneel reverently, and thankful be
For God's unfailing charity,
And on the ascending flame inspire
A little prayer, that shall upbear
The incense of your thankfulness
For this sweet grace
Of warmth and light!
For here again is sacrifice
For your delight.

Within the wood,
That lived a joyous life
Through sunny days and rainy days
And winter storms and strife; --
Within the peat,
That drank the moorland sweet
Of bracken, whin, and sweet bell-heather,
And all the joy of gold gorse feather
Flaming like Love in wintriest weather, --
While snug below, in sun and snow,
Peat heard the beat of the padding feet
Of foal and dam, and ewe and lamb,
And the stamp of old bell-wether; --
Within the coal,
Where forests lie entombed,
Oak, elm, and chestnut, beech, and red pine bole, --
God shrined His sunshine, and enwombed
For you these stores of light and heat,
Your life-joys to complete.
These all have died that you might live;
Yours now the high prerogative
To loose their long captivities, --
To give them new sweet span of life
And fresh activities.

Kneel always when you light a fire!
Kneel reverently,
And grateful be
To God for His unfailing charity!



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