Wood Fires

When your sole heating is wood fired.
It warms you twice.
In the sawing, splitting, loading,
The unloading and stacking,
And within the confines of the combustion heater.
The slow burning embers warm the home and the heart.

In these parts there is much discussion
About the procurement of 'good wood.'
What hardwood species can be best classified as
'Good wood.'
What will split easily.
Which species burn too quick, have too many ants,
Or don't give out much heat,
And what will burn out your heater.
Discussions follow on how long timber must be left to dry.
And who gives the best deals on firewood.

We gather our own.
Our fire goes day and night through the winter months.
Clothes dry before it.
Children risk burning bottoms dressing before it
And the hearth is the most popular spot for sitting.

The only regret of being a wood-fired household?
Fires are not instantaneous.
They warm slowly.
Being first home to a cold dark house.
Sucks!