A maze of scattered debris
lies around the base of
our unused fireplace.

Did a bird, nesting
upon its stack, dislodge
dry branches from last year?

Or Father Christmas have
an Easter practice run
to keep his ancient hands in?

Or did a howling ghost
whirl down the stack
to find the room was bare?

Or did some passing giant
chuck it down the chute
when on an early stroll?

Or is the flue a portal
down which this ash could tumble
from a parallel dimension?

Or maybe Krakatoa
blew its top once more
and scored this hole in one!

We found a load of wreckage around our fireplace this morning. How it got there I don’t know for sure, but I have my suspicions…
(21.04.25)

© Ben Quant 2025
Image of Baron Munchausen by August von Wille, Public Domain