By Gavin Murphy
It exists as the fiery womb
in the belly of the hearth.
A compact cavern made
of brick and mortar
where flames dance.
Where combustion makes fire
and burning wood makes smoke.
A proper draft sucks the
smoke up through a chimney -
not invented until the 12th century.
The fireplace performs its alchemy,
separating smoke from flames
and generating heat.
The fireplace brought us beyond
hunched around the open fire pit.
From maybe somewhat warm
in an actual cave
to cozy in a heated room,
in a comfortable chair
and having a pipe.
As if more smoke were needed.
Posted February 2026
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