At first the flame is bright-hot burning wood-melaleuca we’re told.
Reach over the grate that hold a long handled frying pan;
potatoes and oil, heat and stir, brown and stir again.
Add more fuel, heavier slow burning blood wood this time.
Glowing coals are hypnotic, drawing the ring of chairs closer
into a tighter circle, warming knees, shins, soles.
Place two more pieces of wood beside the grate.
Small flames compete with the moon’s light.
Stars emerge and draw our gaze skywards,
away from the heart of fire towards the southern cross.
