We’ve had smoky days most of this past week. There are wildfires in the mountains. Not nearly as big as the ones in California, but they’re close enough to make the sky hazy and the air unhealthy.
And since I just started working from home again after deciding not to return to my teaching job this fall–you can read about how I turned into a waffle while trying to make that decision–I’ve been at home a lot! My sensitive lungs couldn’t take the smoke.
But I’ve been feeling sad, too–and angry–about how our children, especially our black and brown children, are being murdered. The physical smoke met the societal smoke in my heart and led to this poem.
I’ve struggled to put all of this into words–into a poem. I’m not quite satisfied with it, but it’s beginning to capture something of the feeling.
Smoky days: the poem
Smoky days
wildfires ablaze
in the mountains
and cities.
Smoky days
lungs filled with haze
heart burning with despair
no breath,
like a knee on the neck.
Smoky days
can’t see far
eyes burn
from smoke or tears
Smoky days
our children
shot in the street
eyes burn
heart cries
lungs ache
voices raise
Smoky days
it will take more than
a good breeze to blow
away this smoke
More than a good rain
to quench this fire.
Smoky days.
And Poetry Friday
So, in honor of Poetry Friday, I share this poem–these thoughts with you. Heidi, at My Juicy Little Universe, hosts this week. She shares a poem she wrote about 9/11. It’s powerful, beautiful, and painful, too.
My best wishes to everyone who is back in school–either virtually or in person. And best wishes, too, to those who–like me–have opted out.
I’m getting ready to launch a new blog and a DIY parent-child course–stay tuned!
And thanks for stopping by!
Xoxo
You’ve had smoky days and we’ve had extreme unrelenting heat and humidity. I am thankful for air conditioning, but well aware of the privilege and inequity that comes with my comfort. I can’t even imagine how this time has taken a toll on those without air conditioning (many of them Black families). I am resolved to help my local resource center to provide fans for those in need.
I have been thankful for my air conditioning, too–it’s been hot and smoky here (but not humid). I’m grateful that the air here has cleared and the heat has broken. But you’re right–we are privileged to have someplace to get away from the harshness of the environment. Good for you for helping others to get fans!
Susan, your poem shares the sadness that is moving in with the thickness of the smoke:
“it will take more than
a good breeze to blow
away this smoke”
Stay well inside with the air conditioning. I can imagine how awful the smoke is for everyone’s health. I send you good wishes for a new year of learning in a different way.
Thanks, Carol. Thankfully, the air is clear again, although I can still see the haze in the moutnains.
I am hopeful that we will find that breeze to blow away all the smoke. Our Rocky Mt. fires are terrible, too. I am glad they aren’t destroying people’s homes, but am thinking of all those animals fleeing. You’ve captured all that worries us as we move into September. Best wishes to you as you begin this new journey, Susan.
Thanks, Linda. The physical smoke has cleared here–but not the allegorical smoke. I wish you a good fall. I feel like it’s a new journey for all of us even if we’re doing the same things we did BC.
It does feel like we “can’t see far,” doesn’t it? What comes next?
Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us, Susan xo
Thanks for your comment. I think it’s important to keep asking the questions even when–or especially when–we don’t know the answers.
I share the sentiments expressed in your poem. “It will take more than a good rain /to quench this fire.” Let’s hope some good change comes.
Thanks, Janice. I’m hoping, too!
Strong poem coming from all the flames in your area and around our crying country. Hope they have passed and your breathing will improve. We had a week of very hot and humid weather, which actually made breathing a bit of a challenge–I’m glad it’s cooling off.
Your DIY class sounds interesting Susan, I’m looking forward to hearing more about it.
Thanks Michelle. The smoke has cleared here and they’re getting the fires under control. And it’s cooled off a bit-too. The rest will take longer.
Visceral, Susan. Wonderful!
Thanks, Laura. It’s hard for me to write like that, but I’m doing it anyway!
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