They Learned . . .

by damommy

They learned to make fire rubbing stick upon stick,
and soon they discovered the cooking of meat.
The clan then would gather around the cook pit,
when summoned by skin-covered drums’ steady beat.

But at first, how surprised, maybe frightened they were
when blazes burst forth without knowledge of how.
Did design or an accident spark that first flame?
Did they fall to their knees in a worshipful bow?

They sought to contain this and make it their own,
and bit by bit saw the work it would save.
They used it in ways that 'til now were unknown
like lighting and heating their cold and dark cave,

for forging new tools, as a kiln for clay pots,
for drying their food, and for flushing out prey.
If not for innate curiosity then,
would we still be living like they did – today?

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