The streets were lovely
With the laughter of children
Playing on beautifully
Manicured lawns.
There is no order here
Or beauty now.
There is just dumb luck
And the wind.
No flowers bloom
Or leaves whisper gently.
No birds sing.
The brightly colored flames danced.
The roar of the fire sang declaring victory.
The crackling made a chorus
As neighborhoods disappeared.
Only ashes dance now
In the pleasant wind.
As fireplaces stand
Lonely as sentinels
Where so many dreams
Died.
Dedicated to all those who lost their homes and to the valiant firefighters who worked to save them.
-Harriet Pollon Edwards