A harmless whiff of smoke
Enough to raise the brow
Until the men who lit the fire
Declared us safe somehow
Consumed with daily life
The matter fell from view
Have faith in the authorities
We all have things to do
But fire struck again
This time for all to see
Black smoke rose up in clouds of ash
Flames crackled in the trees
Still most returned indoors
It must be safe to stay
The distant blare of siren sounds
Meant help was on the way
Until they heard the roar
Of flames on every side
There was no more denying it
They had no place to hide
With panic in their hearts
They fumbled for their phones
On every screen the message read
This time you’re on your own
-Rondym Kiefe