Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Poetry Thursday - Wildfire

Wildfire

Fire rages with the wind
devastation smolders in its wake
forgive us nature for we have sinned
Acres blackened in an instant by mistake

devastation smolders in its wake
animals perish fleeing into the flame
Acres blackened in an instant by mistake
Irreplaceable treasures reduced to a claim

Flame scorches everything green
devastation smolders in its wake
Dreams shattered in too much seen
Acres blackened in an instant by mistake

Firefighters exhausted in the fight
Flame scorches everything green
Thick smoke blankets out light
Dreams shattered in too much seen

Flame scorches everything green
devastation smolders in its wake
Dreams shattered in too much seen
Fire rages with the wind

I wrote a Pantoum to express the devastation being caused by a fire in South Lake Tahoe. Our new home is about an hour east of Tahoe and we are not in danger of losing our home, unlike many others. My thoughts and prayers go out to the many people who have lost everything and the safety of the people fighting the fire. The forecast says wind is predicted for the next few days.
Photo from StockXpert

25 comments:

Becca said...

The power of nature is so frightening, and the way it leaves us powerless in its wake.

Your poem expresses the horrors so well.

I'm glad your new home is in the safety zone. That's the last thing you need to worry about!

Jessie said...

I saw the front page of the New York Times yesterday and thought of you. I'm glad to hear that you and your home are safe. I admit to being a little worried about you!

And it is a powerful poem, Tammy. Pantoums are difficult. I'm always impressed by those who can write a successful one--and you have.

Joyce Ellen Davis said...

I saw a picture in the paper today of a woman crying on the sidewalk across the street from her burnt house. I felt so sorry for her. I, too, am glad you are safe!

emmapeelDallas said...

Tammy,

As you know, we had a major house fire 4 years ago, and my heart goes out to those who have lost their homes with these fires. I'm glad that you're safe, my friend.

Judi

p.s. - beautiful poem!

Tinker said...

It's so sad all the lossesfrom this fire - to people, homes, animals, nature. Fire is such a scary and wild force of nature. I'm glad you and your home are safe, Tammy. ((hugs))

Anonymous said...

This is such a powerful poem, Tammy. My heart really hurts for the people who have lost everything. Stay safe.

vicci said...

Amen Sweetie....it is so sad...scary.......I am glad it is 55% contained as of today!

paris parfait said...

Your poem perfectly describes the terrible nature of such fires and the danger of the firefighters, as well as the anguish of all those who lose their homes. Sadly, it's becoming an annual occurrence. So glad your home is safe. xo

Anonymous said...

The repetition of the Pantoum form really works well here. When I first saw the picture at the top, it seemed beautiful to me, made me suddenly feel like I was lying on my back looking up, a peaceful feeling. Quite a stark contrast to the devestation expressed in the poem.

Good to hear you're out of danger's way at least.

Regina said...

What a really good and descriptive poem, Tammy. You really capture the devastation here. I am glad you won't be affected by this fire but like you, I pray for all the people that are...
Well done, dear friend...
xoxo

Crafty Green Poet said...

Glad you're safe! Forest fires are awful, just one spark can catch so quickly and cause so much devastation.

Anonymous said...

I know well those sentiments your poem explores. Fire out of control is terrifying. Usually out here though fires are started by lightening.

Anonymous said...

So glad and relieved you're OK, Tammy.

Your poem really made me feel the devastation and loss being caused by the fire. The wind, the heat, the fear -- I can feel it.

I hope the fires get extinguished soon!

Clare said...

Tammy, you have so beautifully expressed the devastation, horror, loss and sorrow caused by the fire. We had a "small" fire in our town last night, and I feared for the animals and for the firefighters' lives. Your poem really hit home. I'm so happy your home hasn't been affected. Take care.

Deb said...

My parents were evacuated by the Rodeo-Chediski fire in Arizona a few summers back (202). Their home was okay, but it was a harrowing experience.

I will print this for my mom tomorrow. She'll find comfort in it, and sorrow. I am glad you're safe, but the entire community feels loss in these things, no matter who is burned out, vegitable, animal or mineral.

Vedrana M. said...

beautiful poem, just beautiful...and photo also, xxx

Anonymous said...

You beautifully express the awesome power of nature especially during this time. When tragedy accompanies such, it sears our souls. I'm relieved you're safe. If only other life was, too.
Take care

Catherine said...

I am inspired by the way you are always concerned for others in trouble. I hope, with you, that the firefighters will be successful in putting out the fire and removing the danger

Anonymous said...

I am always impressed by your pantoums. The repeated lines work well for the topic.

BTW, you got a gentle soul..

Pam said...

This poem is very powerful and beautifully done. And sad.

Anonymous said...

it's just so sad, lake tahoe is one of the most beautiful places. I just hope it ends soon. wonderful poem!
Hugs

daisies said...

such an incredibly powerful poem, strong and heartfelt

~ i find the whole thing so devastating, all those people losing their homes, sigh ... glad to hear yours is not in danger ...

warm hugs my dear
xox

Giggles said...

Powerful poem, I hear your concern in every word! So much passion exuded, well done. Very sad for so many. Hard to watch on television!

Hugs Sherrie

Marcia (MeeAugraphie) said...

Your Pantoum draws us to the fire, to the shattered dreams. Fire is so unpredictable.

Jone said...

Tammy, I hope your home is okay. I will be in Reno in October. Maybe we could meet up.