Light in darkness

I have always wanted to tend the fire. To coax the flames into life, to pile the wood just so, to stir the embers, revealing the pulsing glowing light simmering beneath the ash. I have always wanted to hold the big poker stick, to feel the heat so close to my face I can sense the skin pinking, to watch the flare of light shining into the darkness. I want to keep the smoke smell in my hair for days to remind me of moments when all that mattered was the s’mores, songs, and conversation circled around the comforting blaze.