IMAGE:

A mild spring evening in Australia, November 6, 1954.

A huge crackling bonfire, for the celebration of Guy Fawkes Day,

known usually in Oz as simply Bonfire Night.

HAIBUN

The bonfire gathering was held in a local park, with an effigy of Guy Fawkes

on the top.  Folks gathered around the fire and the several barbecues that had been set up.  The delicious smells of roasting hot dogs and toasted

crumpets dripping with butter and honey.  The sounds of chatter and spitting fat amid a whirl of smoking air, dancing woodchips and smoldering logs.

I felt excited and comforted, being around this  blazing fire but also with my family and friends, all of us looking forward to the wonderful feast to come

and the spectacular firework display which would follow.

crackling fire burns bright

no thoughts of the man who died

just fireworks and food.

   

    Remember, remember!
    The fifth of November,
    The Gunpowder treason and plot;
    I know of no reason
    Why the Gunpowder treason
    Should ever be forgot!
    Guy Fawkes and his companions
    Did the scheme contrive,
    To blow the King and Parliament
    All up alive.

                                                  

 Perhaps most widely known in America from its use in the movie V for  Vendetta, versions of the above poem have been wide spread in England for centuries. They celebrate the foiling of a plot by a group of Catholics, among them Guy Fawkes, who attempted to blow up Protestant controlled England's House of Parliament on November 5th, 1605.  Known variously as Guy

Fawkes Day, Gunpowder Treason Day, and Fireworks Night, the November 5th

celebrations in some time periods included the burning of the Pope or Guy Fawkes in effigy.  Guy Fawkes Night is still celebrated in many former British Colonies, quite often called, simply, Bonfire Night.