The smell of burnt gumleaf carves at your nostril. The smoke stings your eyes. You’re 14 and your Dad has made his way to the Rural Fire Service to help with the latest bushfire alert. That’s how it is in rural Australia.

…..

Nature is a harsh mistress…drought, flood, fire. She can be formidable and cruel, but it is a bittersweet relationship. For even in the harshness comes beauty. And for some plants and landscapes, fire remains a necessary part of their existence.

Cast in copper. Burnished in bronze.

Forged by fire’s light.

…..

Firelight.