They say I can be prevented,

Yet considered a vital necessity,

I’m a danger to homes and towns,

Yet dispense unwanted, wooded debris.

In a controlled environment I can provide

Food and warmth to many families in need,

In an outrage, extreme intensity I flume,

Altering weather, wind direction and speed.

With assisting gusts, I can leap great distances,

Crossing wide rivers and highways,

Dispersing untamed terror and torment throughout

Vast country sides and by ways.

At most times, my out stretched hands are bound,

Prior to attaining residents,

So I flood their valleys and skies with smoke and ash,

To plight them in my absence.

I know my days are numbered, being

Contained by pick, axe, and retardant,

While in my favor, I consume with haste,

As wild as winds and drought will grant.

But the season will conclude and my

Fury will expire, awaited relief for all,

Rains will more frequent the land,

Smoke will clear as we begin to dip into Fall.

Though, come next Summer, if conditions

Warrant and fuel is ample, take heed,

For all I’ll need is a careless smoker or

Spark of lightening to sow my seed.

J.G.W.

8/6/09