A Christmas Night Fire

Sitting in the living room, 

slightly sleepy and slow

we enjoyed light of blended color

stained glass and Christmas tree

Outside, red flashed through

clear window.

Pounding on our front door.

Fire on our north porch.

Urgent, not panicked.

How bad could this be?

We filled pots with water.

The last flame licked 

the red Contour's bumper.

Ding Dong.  

The witch is dead ...

Pitch black ashes, half charred boxes

My husband hung his head 

lit another cigarette 

I closed the door and returned

Sitting in the living room, 

slightly sleepy and slow

I enjoyed light of blended color

stained glass and Christmas tree.