we took a pine

40 feet high and

lashed a cross arm

to it and set the

cross in the ground,

its arms stretching above the town. we soaked burlap bags

in kerosene and wrapped the bags around the wood.

at the foot of the

cross i smashed

a railroad torch.

the fire took off

so fast. a divine

sight, neighbor,

the flames spread

from the base to the

top. in a matter of

minutes the cross arm

pulsed with fire. the

flames leaping,

seeking heaven,

neighbor, the white

crucifix scoring

the night

blazed perfect.

perfect.