#even before settled societies and buildings and civilization fire and the proto-hearth were central to human life and existence

[home-fire]

an archeological hymn to Hestia

Before foundations were laid below you or roof raised above you, you were;

Before stones were marked out to hold you, or chimney and fireplace covered you, you were;

Before the shelter of walls embraced you, center of the home as yet unbuilt, you were;

Within the unwitting spark of tinder, the fragile ember, within the first primordial fire, you were;

The telltale sign of human presence-- that which made man into mankind, noble Hestia, you were;

The light that lit our way, the warmth that preserved us, tool and weapon and giver of food, you were;

The ritual heart, the circle center, the primal stage of ancient tales, you were;

Tender, keeper, bonder of bonds, bringer of shelter, guider and guardian of the human race,

From our infancy, great Hestia, you were-- ever have been, ever will be-- and ever shall you be deserving of praise.