Crackling ambers; silent snow
Imagine a scene of peace and tranquility. Much like the image attached to this blog. It’s night. It’s set in the forest; in a lodge. The fire is burning; crackling. I’m sat on a great big sofa, surrounded by deeply filled cushions. Their warmth comforting. I snuggle up and listen. I listen to the crackling of the flames as they burn away the dying embers. Popping and sizzling. Spluttering.
Outside its snowing. The silence is captivating. Its golden. What a perfect evening. There is nothing more magical than snow as it falls. It captures my heart, creating a beautiful melody only I can hear.
It takes me back to our childhood days. I smile. Playing in the snow. Riding on the bogey. Laughing and frequently falling off as we careered down the ski slopes. Well okay the park. We were children. Adventurers. Off to discover new Worlds. When we fell off, we’d get back up. Always moving forward. Our injuries a testament to our courage to carry on.
And now my eyes are drawn to the beautiful flame. Unmatched by anything I have ever seen. I begin to unwind. I submit to the flame. I experience the calm, when one’s mind is at peace. When time stands still. When thoughts cease to distress. I am safe; at least for now. Until my mind starts to wander again.
And with each crackle; each hiss; each pop, I sink deeper into a state of relaxation.
The flames lull me into a hypnotic trance. Mesmerising. Soporific. Calming. My eyes are closing. I’m dozing. I can hear the crackling. It remains strong. They say when you die your hearing is the last thing to go. So, speak gently to your loved ones. Tell them you love them. It may be the last thing they ever hear.
The flames remind me of bonfire night as children. Getting as close as one dare without skin being scorched. Being screamed at by mother to come away. Being told to show an example.
And now I’m reminded of the Christmas video of the elves putting out fires so Santa can come down the chimney. Its lovely. Then when he’s gone they start the fire up again. Although some naughty elf tries to put it out.
The images dance away in the flickering flames.
They’re funny. I smile.
