Rising From the Ashes

RISING FROM THE ASHES Wordancer The eyes of the dragon seen through the trees Mesmerize minds and cause bodies to freeze. Which way to go, which way to turn; No time for questions when the trees burn. Just jump in the cars and flee towards town But the road is cut off as the wind swings around. No way to go, no way to turn; An acceptance of fate, as the trees burn. The fence of the paddock does not impede The scorched car that flattens it, picking up speed Away from the flames, away they must turn Desperate with fear, as the trees burn. The breath of this beast lights fires with no flame The heat of its breath burn all just the same. It’s tail flames on, it’s head, see it turn Back towards town, there are more things to burn. With fire, smoke and tears these folk have learnt To rise from the ashes; spirits singed; not burnt A call for assistance, now the schools turn To grey squares of ashes; and more townships burn. The calls went out across this wide country And the offers came from all and sundry. What do you need? What can we bring you? They were told, so they went; what else would they do? Hand towels, toothbrushes, soap and shampoo To clean away ashes; the soot, and tears too Through fire and smoke, these folk have learnt To rise from the ashes; spirits singed; not burnt The towns’ people will labor as long as there’s need, They’ll listen and learn and plant as they weed, While their houses and schools, fire stations too, Rise from the ashes, and stand good as new. The February Dragon has left for a time, But hope that heals the scars in the minds Of the people there, is strong and alive, They have rebuilt their towns, their dreams and their lives. ©