I'm back inside now and feeling much better,
Refreshed and awakened by the sound of the cold.
I shoveled some snow; split some oak and choke cherry;
Then hit my tall son 'tween shoulders quite squarely.
A solid strike with a snowball that exploded in fluff
Exposed a rosy cheeked grin and sparkling within.
To wield an ax, to split a log...
Strength and knowledge to keep
My family in warmth: the house I can heat.
And this I must say, is an asset I'd rather
Keep than to trade for another man's dollar...
The rush of self confidence, self worth and empowerment
When "Crack!“ shouts the log, in response to my blow
And willingly falls into pieces before me
Accepting, even craving to join the wood fire
That warms and gives comfort to my family inside
Here and now is worth more, I simply must say
Way more than the dollar that I‘d have to pay
Someone else to bring hither from a faraway fire
To usurp and supplant this power of mine.
Our families to keep:
The power of love
Remains buried deep
Within us it waits
...until we remember.