The Journey Inward

Spiraling down the staircase
Of the Monument to the Great Fire,
I channeled the fear, anguish and loss
The people of London experienced in 1666
As their city burned for days-
Homes and businesses destroyed,
Beautiful architecture damaged
But with luckily few lives lost.

I thought of the homelessness that followed,
Of the baker on Pudding Lane, where the fire began,
And the conditions ripe for the fire's spread.
50 years would pass before the city was rebuilt,
Lives on hold, others expired.

Just a single ember,
Connecting with its flammable surroundings,
And the world instantly combusts.

What can we learn from the angry flame,
From the charged ground it found,
So that we can prevent
Damage, destruction, demoralization,
Not just to land and property,
But to our Souls?

How can we cool the ember,
Redirect the energy,
Neutralize the environment
So that peace can grow instead?

Photo:  Monument to the Great Fire of London, London, England.  6.25.24 by JMR