The Secret Fire
Location
There is a fire which burns in all men, oft banked by worldly care
It needs but one breath to waken its heat, a wind of holy air
On pagan altar once it burned, its all-consuming heat
Forging gods and heroes fell, and clothed them in gold sheet
Names like Mithras, Thor, and Mars did glow
From out that grandest forge
Giving Hermes his bird-swift speed, and Frey his golden barge.
Its origin was holy, its burning heat divine
It was kindled when the light went forth
The stars and planets to shine
Aye, God Himself did light that spark which soon began to flame
That fire was Art, the heat was Joy, and Wisdom was its name
It burned and burned, till out of heat it nearly was destroyed
Till God himself rekindled it with the birth of one little boy.
He the Creator, who sparked the flame, now walked within his creation
Rekindling souls by living water, building a spiritual nation.
The flame was in men now, and could not leave, nor e’er be truly quenched
Whether he sat in darkest hovel, palace throne, or simple workman’s bench.
It’s Wisdom then that burns in men and warms the coldest heart
It melts the frost of daily care, and guides to that Art
Which teaches him Reason, Truth, and Joy, and is of Knowledge a part.
Then on that road now pushed upon, men’s feet begin to race,
As in that fire they see a glimpse of one true holy face
The face will stare at you and you will see, awakening desire
To see and serve and stand by Him, that lit that glorious fire!
“I’m coming HOME!” the man will shout, as within him burns the flame
Called Sophia, by the Greek, Paraclete, and Holy Spirit by name
The flame burns bright! its heat burns away all the foul mire of sin
That plagues his mind and breaks his heart and darkens the man within.
So take the flame, friend, and serve the Lord, who sparked and saved that flame
Let it redeem you refine you and cleanse you, and all will know that Name.