A SPARK 2025

The origin of the spark unknown.

Just when smoke started to show,

Did the hint of a threat grow.

For many, disbelief froze them to the spot.

It will be put out when the firemen race by.

But nature had a crueller plan.

Santa Ana winds fiercely increased their speed.

Sweeping down the hills to the valley floors.

Burning all before them at incredible pace.

Throwing sparks and burning embers to and fro.

Fear caught the onlookers, as they watched the spread.

Out, out, we need to go now, no time to take anything.

Our lives are more precious; grab phones, credit cards, passports, coats and shoes,

Medication, too, if we safely can; no time to lose.

Bottled water if to hand, then into the car, if the road is clear.

From one spark a catastrophe began burning in all directions.

Life so precious made us leave, a terrifying journey.

Returning to nothing left, just tears of anger, memories and regret.

Sadness at the loss of life, and neighbourhoods broken forever.

Long established friendships scattered to homes apart.

All because of that one terrifying spark.

Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo by Jamie Street on Unsplash