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