How To Build A Fire

Fires don’t start by themselves, you know.

These require fuel, oxygen and a spark,
all necessary to ensure a good blaze.
Once it gets going, it will need to be fed
and monitored to ensure it doesn’t go out of control;
a conflagration can cause untold damage,
wreak havoc and destroy lives.

Don’t dampen it too soon
Or you will destroy any embers,
essential for maintaining a good flame.
If the fuel source is too dry or too moist
then it will either burn too quickly or too slow;
either is not the way to build a proper fire.

Don’t put faith in starters or using propellants;
these might work well to start with
but ultimately are a lazy way to get it going.
Better to learn how to do it properly;
this way you will have the right tools
and knowledge to guarantee a proper fervency

And while they don’t start by themselves,
these very easily go out if you’re not attentive.
Whether you’re reliant on old flames
or more desirous of a new feu de joie,
it is often better to go with what you know
than to try to start something you can’t control.

After all, good fuel doesn’t grow on trees, you know.