Like moths to the flame

What is it about fire that draws us closer? And even when it is too hot to be close, why do we want to sit and stare until there is nothing left but embers? We have a tradition (or is it a ritual?) here at the farm. Whenever the grandchildren are here, whether it is just them for an overnight visit or a big family get-together, we have to have the bonfire. A few years ago, we had some fallen limbs to clean up and on a whim, set up a fire pit and let the grandchildren toast marshmallows. The yard surrounding the farmhouse is full of big, old pecan trees that shed branches all the time, so there's always a stack waiting to be burned. One thing I have noticed is that all the adults want to go out for the bonfire too, so it isn't just the kids who are drawn to it. The adults tend to sit or stand around and talk, all the while staring into the flames. It is the kids who are obsessed with feeding the fire, though. They cannot stay away from it. It is a magnet that draws them in. I'm sure there must be some primordial instinct that makes us circle around the fire, if not for warmth, for a sense of security.

We've had temperatures in the 90's all week until today and it finally has cooled off a little (80's) and we got a few drops of rain. We are parched here. The fields are brown--even the weeds have stopped growing, so even a little bit of rain is very welcome. I was thinking this morning how nice it will be to be enjoying the fireplaces soon. Can you tell that I have had enough summer for a while? Autumn is my favorite time of year and I'm really ready for it and all it brings with it.