I see a fire in the distance
And it’s callin’ me home

I see a fire in the distance:
Heat and light and huddle
With other chilly pilgrims

I wandered beyond the joy;
Beyond the cacophonous harmonies
Of the broken in song,
Beyond the community of
Resurrection power and transformation,
Beyond the love…
Beyond the fire

I see a figure in the distance
And he’s callin’ my name

I see a figure in the distance
With a smile, and miracles and wonders

And the other chilly pilgrims
Begin to laugh out loud
With vigorous leap to discard their crutches,
Dancin’ funky, nasty, pretty, and graceful
In gratitude for joy and sanity and purpose restored
In gratitude for fire and food
In gratitude for the bearded and scarred
Stranger with his miracle meals and hands of healing

I hear a knock at my door:
It’s that bearded and bruised and scarred stranger
And he’s still smilin’
While speaking generous affirmation
With kindness until I laugh and weep…
Were I a dog, my tail’d be waggin’

I finally settle long enough
to compose some words of welcome.
And he simply says,
“C’mon back to the fire–
You’re forgiven
Let’s make some s’mores and dance the boogie-woogie”

Graham crackers never tasted so good…