Wildfire

Just over the horizon

the white lightning

flashed

then terror 

began -

orange

flames consumed
dry brush,

hot temperatures

and winds

accelerated

the rush

across open fields

up desert

hills

destroying 

everything
in its path

most homeowners

evacuated

The firemen

gathered their gear

and rushed in

using air drops,

anchor points,

and backfires

extreme conditions

soon overwhelmed
the Hot Shot Team

and the fire still 

burns

wives lost their 

husbands,
mothers their sons,

children their fathers

too great a loss for 

everyone.

Those at the fire line
have no time 

to grieve

they battle on while 
the fire is
hot.

Hurrah for the 
heroes

who gave their lives

prayers to their families

who must learn
to survive.

In memory of the nineteen

firefighters who lost their

lives in Arizona. RIP