Smokers cough
but no tobacco
scarlet king parrot’s
blackened breast,
reminders of the dark day.

Blood red sun
dimmed
by glowing orange
horizon
anxious gathering
on a beach
scanning the sky
for promised wind change
frantic drive
past flame-licked verges
trees quenched
but scorched
bleeding ash and embers.

Join the crowd
gathering
stunned and
seeking security
waiting for
news
food
and comfort
in the dark
more ways than one
but needing to share
rumours of tragedy
unhappily
not all incorrect.

The world mourns
a lost generation
or more
of unique fauna
but soon hints
and splashes
of green
appear
as the flora
fights back.

© Rosemary Patyus 4 Mar 2020