Boulder Co. 12/30/21

the sky glows

and wind blows

in its wake

black frames

as flames grow

tomorrow

we'll smother disquiet

with tears

in years

we'll harken back

 and see

and evoke the scenes

of charred streets

and still smell the smoke 

of torment and grief

then sigh 

with relief

Author's Note

It's quite a contrast to see cheerful Christmas lights on the front of one house and flames on the house next door.

Reviews

[Chris Shaw]

You capture in an economy of words the devastation and destruction of out of control fires. This is not something which occurs this side of the pond. We can only stand back and thank our lucky stars that we are not torched in such a way. Thought provoking piece Tim. Heartbreaking for residents.

[Relic]

Yes, it is, Chris. Thanks for your comment.

[Patricia]

what a scene it must have been. we frequently go out west in the summers and are always one state ahead of seasonal fires. Colorado is always first on our scenic drives, the first state that says to me we are on vacation now. It is a bit of heaven on earth and to see any fire destroy any part of it is saddening and so glad you were not harmed by the destruction. a great piece of poetry.

[Relic]

Thanks so much, Patricia.

[Patricia]

you're welcome

[Robert Trakofler]

It was like a scene out of armageddon:/ I feel horrible for those people

[Relic]

So do I. Thanks for reading, Robert.

[NFA]

I love how quick and bold this was. It truly evoked the emotion with so little because your imagery was spot on. Appreciate this heavily.

[Relic]

Thank you, Victor.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

your poem describes the emotion as well as the scene.
j.

[Relic]

Thanks for the read, J.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

it is awful....I have an old friend who lives with his roommate a few blocks from where it is happening.

they are worried.

j.

[Relic]

My brother went to the University of Colorado many years ago and I visted there. The people were great and so was the scenery. I never like seeing people lose their homes. This poem was quickly put together while the feeling was fresh. There are too many that lost everything.

[John the Baptist]

Seems like one natural disaster after another. First tornadoes, now fire, and of course, the omicron variant. 2022 can't be as bad as this one we're leaving. Of course, I said the same thing about 2021

[Relic]

Each year has disasters and they'll be more. Let's hope next year brings us a friendlier year.
read moreEach year has disasters and they'll be more. Let's hope next year brings us a friendlier year.
Thanks, John.

[Chris]

I read of the current wildfire trauma being experienced... hard and fear-full times both now and ahead. "Blessed Be and may Guardians watch over the people, families, and children being touched."

[Relic]

Thanks very much for the comment and the typo, Chris. I echo your thoughts.

[Chris]

What typo was that?

[Relic]

.............haha :)

[Chris]

smiles... as well.

[Chris]

We often forget the littlest victims of such disasters. I take it you haven't experienced the emotional, mental, and physical damage done to children that witness and survive through such events. It affects them their whole lives, I pray none of yours experiences such a total loss of all you knew.

[Gee]

Apologies...

[Chris]

Is understood where thoughts come from in these media driven times... but think back just a little ways to say - Katrina - and what it must be like when a whole city loses its innocence and cohesion. Some never come back, some have nothing to come back to... and home is more than a place for most.

[Gee]

Badly misplaced " humour"
We are fortunate that in the UK we do not really suffer any serious natural disasters, the odd bit of flooding but nothing that threatens the life and well being of 100's of thousands of folk.

[Chris]

So lucky... to miss our "yearly" events.

[Chris]

Relic, I also apologize for "speaking" within your work's - comment space.

[Gee]

Me too, my fault Relic

[Relic]

You're both upstanding writers and are never at fault with me. I'm lucky enough to have been spared of any disasters where I live. But I do have empathy for those that have to suffer in such a way. This poem was quickly written while watching the coverage on you tube. Over 500 homes lost. I hate it.

[Relic]

Oh, by the way, Happier new year to you both. :)