The Chimney - Photo & Poem

The chimney in my photo below stands out in the woods near my house on what used to be a farm, but now is on park property. My monochrome edit of the photo had such a mood that it inspired me to try some verse to add to the posting. I’m not a poet by any means, but this community allows you to be as creative as you feel moved to be, so here goes.

The Chimney

Formed with hands of men
From Mother Nature’s clay and shale
Heat gave me strength
To serve my household well

Young eyes read by my light
Cast iron pots felt my glow
My hearth a place to gather
In this farmstead bungalow.

I provided comfort and warmth
With decades of daily fire
Trees consumed from woods close by
Coals tended until they tire.

Today I stand alone
My home’s remains return to soil
Countless seasons past
Of hearth not warm, but cold

Not seeking sweet revenge
The trees gather closer around
Their branches reach for sky above
As Mother Nature reclaims her ground.

Since it’s Monday, consider this my contribution to @old-guy-photos’ #monochromemonday.