4.26.2016

for now the mountain burns

destruction, renewal -- a phoenix will be born
but for now the mountain burns
a jagged, blazing spine against the hazy sky
wafting smoke up the valley
to settle densely on hopeful blooms and buds
and tiny, new green leaves that dance upon the trees
as the mountain cries out for rain,
the dry earth weeping tears of dust
and yet knowing, somewhere in its ancient depth of thought,
that the blackened remains of forest
symbolize not death
but the cleansing beginning
of a slow and beautiful rebirth

photo via





























12 comments:

  1. Haunting. Did you write it from the picture, or find an illustration that fit afterwards?

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    1. I wrote the poem about the wildfire in Shenandoah National Park (Virginia), which started about a week ago and has burned more than 10,000 acres. I'd seen several photos of it, but looked up the one posted above after writing the poem.

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  2. *SCREAMS FOR ETERNITY* THIS IS SO GORGEOUS HELP.

    Ellie | On the Other Side of Reality

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  3. This poem is so good! I love how you captured an entire story and feeling, it's the kind of piece that you read, and then reread, and get more out of it each time.

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    1. Thank you, Candice! I'm glad you liked it, and I really appreciate your feedback. :)

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  4. FHJSKSJDKSJKLD THISSSSS. <3 So beautiful and inspired and just wow okay

    *squeak!*
    abbiee

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  5. I liked this one, Serena.
    Thank you for reminding us that there is room for optimism and new beginnings after events that initially seem to be so final and catastrophic.

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    1. You're welcome! I'm glad you liked it. Thank you for the positive feedback -- that is such a beautiful way to summarize the poem.

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  6. THIS IS BEAUTIFUL AND FIERY AND I LOVED IT. Also that mountainous photo = amazing. :D

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    1. Thank you, Cait! Unfortunately, I can't claim any credit for that photo (unless looking it up online counts...), but I agree, it's an incredible shot!

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