Santa Ana Wind

Within ageless canyons we hold our breath.
Ash clouds engulf us, survival or death?
Santana stampedes, pariah unchained. 
‘Tis Dante’s hellhound of Hades renamed!

Chased from our homes and all else that we own,
Panicked we flee, to a refuge unknown.
Behind us a past we can never forget
The clear hills of May, June’s swallows…regret.

Sparked up by nature, mishap or misdeed
Transmission line wires sing songs we must heed.
Flora in peril. Restore what is left!
Redeem our planet for which we’ve been blest.

Wildfires delivering whirlwinds of flame.
Let’s pledge to assure renewal sustained.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2021

Poem

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Edmonds  Avatar
May 13, 2022 at 6:29 PM
A marvellous write Ken - “Wildfires delivering whirlwinds of flame. Let’s pledge to assure renewal sustained.” - as so everyone should… Belle
Rone Avatar
May 14, 2022 at 8:56 AM
Thank you Belle. You may not recall but 14 months ago you helped me register on PS and without that guidance this poem would not have evolved. Best - Ken
Lawrence Avatar
November 6, 2021 at 7:50 AM
Ken , The fear and emotion you have described is palpable in this wonderful write . The descriptions felt viscerally. I know many who have lost their homes to the wildfires. Devastating to say the least . Best wishes to you , Susan :)
Rone Avatar
November 6, 2021 at 9:21 AM
Hi Susan...thanks for visiting this oldie. It was inspired by the Northern Cali fires in June, but i knew the Santa Anas would follow after. So far so good this season. Bless you.
Crabtree Avatar
June 7, 2021 at 6:29 PM
Even though I live in Tennessee, I have heard of the Santa Ana Wind. This is a magnificent write, Ken. Great flow and imagery of the events there. Hope you have a great week :)
Rone Avatar
June 8, 2021 at 11:00 AM
It seems regardless of where we live we face threats and hazards. I recall the floods in Tennessee two months ago. Thank you for you compliment and I hope to hear more from you in the future Angela. Thanks - Ken
Thirtyseven Avatar
June 1, 2021 at 12:00 AM
I reckon sonnet are great, and that one was brilliant. Well done. Hope life is back to a more green conscious norm soon. Just so you know, I'm tweeting a link to this one. Cheers Scott
Rone Avatar
June 1, 2021 at 12:29 PM
Thank you Scott: The poem grew for a sonnet exercise and I am glad it spoke to you. Please keep in touch.
Maverick Avatar
May 31, 2021 at 11:39 PM
Yes the strong impact of such events will Remain in a persons mind for a long Time, but I don't know if it's stoppable It may well Be a malaise born of Overblown sin In which case the end game is nigh.' So if we focus on a better relationship with the Creator that might change it? Yet better to be With Him is the only real answer I see All the best Ken.'
Rone Avatar
June 2, 2021 at 2:49 PM
I so apperciate your comments Joe. Thank you for reading my piece and I look forward to more of your own work. Ken
Proxenos Avatar
May 30, 2021 at 12:37 PM
Very sad, such a creative write Ken. Huge fires over veld, bush or prairies are horrific to man, nature and animals. The animals are so vulnerable ,yet at times so are humans, and as for trees I believe they understand and do try to communicate but we don't listen. Excellent poetry. Hugs Jennifer.
Rone Avatar
June 1, 2021 at 12:27 PM
Thank you Jennifer. Thank you so much for reading my piece. the fire are always tragic and mos toften lethal. We pray for all of those affected. - Ken
Ball Avatar
May 26, 2021 at 10:10 AM
So well described with great imagery. I could see people and animals fleeing the flames. When such things happen I always pray that people will not leave behind the animals they have who depend on them for their very lives to perish behind them. Your dogs wouldn't do that to you. This is a great write my friend. God Bless, JB
Rone Avatar
May 26, 2021 at 10:24 AM
Thanks Judy. Many animals are set free. Most are recovered and survival is much higher then being left behind. thanks for your comment. - Ken
Canerdy Avatar
May 26, 2021 at 6:38 AM
Ken, your sonnet is excellent--vividly descriptive of the fear engendered by wildfires! Janice
Rone Avatar
May 26, 2021 at 7:14 AM
Thank you Janice. I appreciate your read and encouragement.
Edmonds  Avatar
May 25, 2021 at 2:55 PM
A marvellous write on the “Santa Ana Wind” Ken. It must be horrific wondering if you’ll lose your home and all that’s in it and seeing flames of destruction and what infections can do to the population. Well worded… Belle
Rone Avatar
May 26, 2021 at 7:19 AM
Remember when you guided my entry to PoetrySoup? That was three months ago. I am so on debt to your kindness. - Ken
Buhagiar Avatar
May 25, 2021 at 1:11 PM
This is a great sonnet. Disasters are everywhere really but the wild fires can be bad. Loved your sonnet.
Rone Avatar
May 26, 2021 at 7:17 AM
Sonnet is hardly the proper format, but I needed too get the frustration off my chest - Ken
Poet Avatar
May 25, 2021 at 1:09 PM
Ken, you penned an excellent poem. The symbolism and wording are so perfect, and your words flow smoothly straight to the heart. Blessings and hugs
Rone Avatar
May 26, 2021 at 7:15 AM
Thank you so much my friend. I always look forward to your support
Merryman Avatar
May 22, 2021 at 5:19 PM
An excellent write on a harsh subject! California wildfires are devastating! Blessings, Kim M
Rone Avatar
May 26, 2021 at 7:13 AM
The fires are so devastating in the west. The subject was on my mind as I experimented with the sonnet form. - Ken
Hankins Avatar
May 21, 2021 at 12:57 PM
Excellent poem on a most important subject. I enjoyed reading it, if not the message. Find job, especially the flow and rhyme!
Rone Avatar
May 21, 2021 at 1:03 PM
Working on rhythm. You may notice a total overhaul of my Santana villanelle from which I started.
De Beaulieu Avatar
May 21, 2021 at 11:10 AM
Hello Ken Rone, when a strong wind blows everything is tossed and turned. Yet sometimes a wind blowing can be gentle. enjoy your day my friend.
De Beaulieu Avatar
May 22, 2021 at 7:25 AM
Hello Ken Rone, a gently wind is like a powder puff gently touches a face. Enjoy your day my friend.
Rone Avatar
May 21, 2021 at 12:11 PM
i agree. I certainly prefer gentle....vespers.
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