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