Bonfires
By the time these words are in print the bonfires that are being built will be in ashes. Now, on the top of more than one hill round about, I can see a mound that has been constructed by the community In that particular area—a mound of gorse with a few branches of ash, a couch that should have been set on fire long ago, a broken spindle- backed chair and an old mattress out of the loft. All these are contributions to a chain of fires that will cover the countryside, lighting up a hill for an hour or two and then sinking to smoulder in the grey light of morning when mist and smoke look alike. I remember my grandfather's love of a bonfire to celebrate a national occasion. The farm was in a fairly remote place, but up went his flag, and the big hill was an after-dark landmark. No one could fail to recognise the hill or say that he had been slow to honour the Queen or King, and many a rickety piece of furniture was missing after that day.
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