Firing Time

DR. ABNER LANDRUM, 1826

 

Early in the morning,

we stoke the fire

slow at first,

letting the sides

of the furnace heat up.

Soon the neighboring folks

come out to watch,

children running all around

and underfoot.

 

“Come on now, boys,” I say.

“Take the fire up quick.

Stuff those slabs in

as fast as you can.”

 

The furnace is roaring

louder than thunder,

a ball of fire

turning my glazes

blue

and green

and yellow

bright as gold.

Finally the orange flame

leaps out of the chimney.

“You’ve done it, boys!” I shout.

 

The children cheer,

their mothers smile,

and the smoke lingers

in the air

for hours.