fires burning out of control near
but far enough away
deep within the mountains
disappeared behind a scorched and dingy veil.
you cannot tell the time of day by the sun
darkened by smoke and
colors smeared in disarray, the light dim and dampened.

i wake with it choking
my insides
the rage and chaos disturbing the calm
destruction clearing debris
fighting for room
for air.
the source of all its power secret
stealthy, switching direction without notice
without discrimination.
what feels like death must sweep out the dead,
make room for new things
a new start.

only the rain gods can put out such forces
silence the crackles and roar,
soothe the burns and places painted black
reveal the sky and
i’ll take a deep breath.