Camping poetry and free verse are used frequently in conducting an impressive ceremony. The following opening words are effective when read or recited by the fire lighter, who kneels for the opening verses and rises for the last lines.
I KNEEL
I kneel when I light a fire. (kneel)
I kneel reverently and thankfully,
For now will light and warmth,
Come to me through sacrifice.
This wood holds good things,
And gives them all for you and me.
This wood grew for many years,
Fed by water and by sun,
Protecting as it grew.
Giving as it now dies,
It will give light through flames.
It will give warmth through red coals.
It will leave behind only gray ashes.
But this sacrifice will not be in vain,
For we shall take with us,
The memory of this moment.
The fellowship and fun,
The song and challenge,
The story and ritual,
All to be ours forever.
So as our tiny spark grows,
To a dancing, lively flame,
Our council ring will become,
A court for honors.
A ritual for inspiration.
A stage for dramatics.
An arena for contests.
And a story time for remembrance.
I kneel when I light the fire,
When fire comes, I arise. (arises)
Thankfully accepting its sacrifice,
For its flame calls for worthy action.