The Summer of Fires

after the devastating fires

of recent days

emotions run high

as you fight

the hungry flames of wrath

the burn-out ruins

of life immense

i rise early like the glorious dawn

fighting 

the fire 

of time

watching as the lightning strikes

and the poor kangaroo runs for cover

even the rainbow lorikeet prays

for rain in the greatest hour of need

the koala bear licks 

its wounds

asking 

for mercy

in the fiery 

breath of summer

the future dances

in the wind

wiping away my tears

meanwhile 

a flurry of ash particles 

blankets the sun
and days turn
into night as the voracious fire

winds its way

around the meadows

ravishing my dream in the summer field

© Lawrence T. Udo-Ekpo