The Resemblence to Fire

“FiRe” by jellybee

 

As I lie beside the crackling hearth, I look at the fireworks of sputtering bronze and flickering gold, dancing on a stage of wood and embers. And I think to myself how fire so closely resembles so many things in life. Even if it only truly resembles them because of my mind’s perspective.

Fire can be man’s best buddy, a provider of much-needed warmth, a crackling chatterbox of a friend, or a gleaming watchful sentry to scare away wild beasts as man sleeps.  Fire ensures survival with its light and warmth, since without those two elements we cannot survive for long. And yet fire can also be man’s worst enemy, consuming with mindless and ravenous appetite every wooden board and handcrafted keepsake. It can render a home to ashes in a matter of minutes, it can obliterate any sight of an important paper’s existence, or it can spoil one’s body or one’s memory with irreversible scars.

Fire is, then, like any other human being, like any animal, like any element. It has its good sides and its bad, its strengths and weaknesses; this diversity is the beauty of multi-dimensionality. And do not think that it can be only pure—purely good or purely evil. The same peaceful fire that kept you company and kept you warm one evening may burn you alive if the hearth gets out of control. But a child who survived a house fire may find their hate of fire turned to respect the day they are stranded in a wintery forest. Even the most gentle dog will attack if infected with rabies. Even the most honorable man may be tricked to wage war. And even water will harm you if you chug it endlessly. You could argue that not all things are like that; there can be bottomless faith, or endless love, or limitless thinking. Perhaps, as one can hope. But these are intangible. 

There is a difference there, and I have not yet fully decided what this distinction is meant to represent. But the distinction is clear: you can feel love, but you can’t “see” it; you can both feel and see the fire. So like anything tangible, it must be moderated; too little, like too much, will probably kill you.  So it goes.

So I think. The fire in my hearth crackles loudly in agreement.

"Angreek87"