My brother has telephoned.

I've been out gathering kindling, 

 just before the sun sets over the Pacific

and San Francisco lights up in the distance.

My father taught me everything I know 

about wood fires 

and kindling

how to be resourceful

and see,

not just look. 

I climbed the rickety fence

and cut these roses

just before returning home.

He taught me that as well...

that nature and beauty are everywhere

any season

any weather.

I go now to light the fire

and send smoke signals to my father

telling him I'm coming

and to hold on tight