USG photo
By
Dewell H. Byrd
A Chimney Stands Without Its House
Leans toward charred rose bushes
on the creek side of the Paradise
Wildfire.
Rumpled sky lowers its gray hand,
stirs the ash of yesterday’s home…
vacant spirit.
A scorched rag doll weeps,
absorbs pungent smoke…
silent sponge.
Fireweed thrives, welcomes bees.
Bless the insects and the weeds
that have the tenacity to do
the endless work of reclamation.
Dewell H. Byrd
Dewell H. Byrd is a retired school administrator living with his wife Elsa on California’s beautiful north coast among magnificent redwood trees. Family, love garden, nature and history are his favorite poetic subjects. Dewell is a consummate storyteller and people watcher. His poetry often captures common, everyday people in unusual moments.
I like it! It's hard to write about such horrific things. Well-done.