THE WOOD FIRE

“This is a brightsome blaze you've lit good friend, to-night!”

“— Aye, it has been the bleakest spring I have felt for years,

And nought compares with cloven logs to keep alight:

I buy them bargain-cheap of the executioners,

As I dwell near; and they wanted the crosses out of sight

By Passover, not to affront the eyes of visitors.

“Yes, they're from the crucifixions last week-ending

At Kranion. We can sometimes use the poles again,

But they get split by the nails, and‘ tis quicker work than mending

To knock together new; though the uprights now and then

Serve twice when they're let stand. But if a feast's impending,

As lately, you've to tidy up for the corners’ ken.

“Though only three were impaled, you may know it did n't pass off

So quietly as was wont? That Galilee carpenter's son

Who boasted he was king, incensed the rabble to scoff:

I heard the noise from my garden. This piece is the one he was on.

Yes, it blazes up well if lit with a few dry chips and shroff;

And it's worthless for much else, what with cuts and stains thereon.”