This is a tribute to my dear friends who perished a few days ago. I hope not to sully their sweet yet formidable legacy with the woes of the world, though we discussed them often. That will be left for a later time. As much as we know the realities of this world, that our lives are a vapor in the expanse of time, unexpected deaths of friends always come as a shock, especially if we are witness to the tragedy. From such a circumstance is this being penned. Fire. We may dread tornados, earthquakes, hurricanes and other natural disasters, but the instant spread of unbearable heat and unquenchable flame carries a fear that no one ever wants to stand face-to-face unprepared.