Private Fires

We were happy here

Even in the cold spells

Even with the roads like the frozen river

We would keep each other warm

And we were happy here

With the soup on the fire

And the wind in the chimney

And the floors too cold for bare feet

And we were happy here

When the spring broke the ice

And there were limbs to be cleared

And the melting snow

Let the pines spring back up toward the sky

And we were happy here

Even when the rains came

And the storms broke the sea

With a whistle and drum

And the moon ran for cover

And the house shook all over

And the cats would hide under the bed

But we were happy here

With our simple life

It was our whole life

And we were happy here

Before the news came

That the world was small

And the roar was loud

And not quite so distant after all

I remember how it felt before the fall

I remember the day when we heard the call

And the walls came down

And our perfect dream was gone

But we were happy here

When the cries of our babies

Were the only cries

And our bad moods

The only bad moods

Which we coaxed and stroked

Just like our own private fires

But we were happy here

Before