Every night my neighbor comes home and sets ablaze his outdoor chimney. Every night I go out to smell it. He is methodical and I want to praise him for his commitment. He quietly goes about this process every night and then quietly sits outside by himself.
I admire the way he habitually partakes in a ritual that brings us closer to ourselves. He with his lighting of the fire, me quietly sitting on my steps by the kitchen door enjoying the fruits of his labor. I close my eyes and the smell of the fire comforts me.
We rarely speak, occasionally we say hello, but every night we have a common bond. I am grateful that he is there.