Loss

 

They tell me fire is a part of nature

that this will bring wildflowers in the spring,

low blueberry bushes in the summer,

that it will open the seeds in pine cones

to grow to be habitat for warblers.

They tell me this will bring color and life and song

but all I see is ash and charred stumps

I hear the wind sweeping dust into piles

as my eyes water from the smoke

and I choke on my own breath.

I see no beauty yet.

I feel only ruins.