In my childhood memories

The kitchen is a heartwarming place

From the red brick stove 

That wafted the aroma of our meals                 

And the fragrance of burning wood       

It was the first place I went to

If I was looking for my mother

Its warmth attracted us

To linger there in wintertime

I loved to be the fire keeper        

Adding wood to keep stove flame going

While mother was cooking

Using different materials

Leaves, lumber and paper

To see how the flames changed

The dancing fire mesmerized me

The memory of our old stove 

Keeps my heart warm

And is ever a solace     

That lights up my life

When days are dark

By Shih-Fang Wang

From: United States