Summer Fires

A day which gave opportunity for personal introspection. We here in Oregon, Idaho, Washington watched this become a very serious summer for wild fires. I and my husband hiked Eagle Creek now burned.

Written,

August 9, 2017

 

 

This year, Canada fires kept raging a message of loss. 

Everything falls away eventually.

Alone, we answer to our own personal hurt.

  

Devastation is within and without.

Haze for days and days.

 As the saying goes; “Where there is smoke there’s fire.”

Even dreams are haunted.

Filtering down into my mind, I wash away ghosts.

This darkness must be put into submission. 

Flames try to mingle as I put them out.

The raging battle of heat’s damage is within.

 Flames of old dreams cast away.

Have I been untrue to myself; despising? 

Have I even been my own adversary?

Come now and ponder. Questions are good. 

Put away self doubt. Imprison all defeat and pain. 

These are the true enemy.

Lord God, King of compassion,

 you have given grace again.

I run to you for healing and strength.

Author's Note

Went Kayaking also and watched helicopters dipping water out of the lake where we were on it. the whole day in the mountain area was one of falling ash. I think that things are improoving now, finally! We need more rain.

Reviews

[barleygirl]

This is a very fresh & original way to write about the curse of wildfires, which has been brutal in recent fire seasons. I lived just a few miles from a 3-month long wilderness fire in 2016 & I still feel it intensely, as you've described in your poem. I still remember when "Lost Valley" burned up -- a place where I made lifelong backpacking memories with various loved ones over my younger years. You've stated this in a way that reaches down deeper, to express how such a wildfire is a lasting entity in our lives, as we see the scars even years later. Brilliant! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Kathy Van Kurin]

Hi again Margie,
Found you again. You left this one two months ago. I feel terrible that I missed you as I try to not be neglectful. Life gets crazy sometimes but still...
Your experiences are so interesting. It is such fresh inspiration for your writing and giving of heart between your lines. I love to read stuff like that. Your above review just makes my heart twinkle. You are a ribbon of sun light across my motivation to feel that I can even have a voice to share with my pen. I would love to hear about some of your favorite backpacking memories. That is something which can be such a lovely area of commonality.
I hope you are enjoying your Spring. It must be glorious where you are!
Blessings,
Kathy

[barleygirl]

Kathy -- thanks for your encouragement to write about my backpacking memories. Being reminded of your poem here, unfortunately we are starting the fire season so early now (again) with huge swaths of our country burning up! *sheesh!* We are only getting our first warm spring days, supposedly starting tomorrow. I'm sitting by the woodfire right now, which never happens after February here on the central CA coast! Keep sprinkling your magic around to make people feel good! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Kathy Van Kurin]

Margie,
What to say? I'm just sitting here kind of stunned. I am bummed for you. Well, your live in a very dry place from what little I have gathered or remember from what I see in your writing and comments here. There is noting like living some where and knowing your own area....I look forward to hearing more about your wonderful life and your doggies and such. I will have to look up the news and see. I don't always pay regular attnetion to the news like some do. Bye for now
Kathy

[alanwgraham]

Very good. As with great poetry the fires and devastation mirror internal conflagration. Witnessing such loved destruction triggers strong emotions and reminds us of the impermanence of nature and humanity.
And then there's climate change ....
Regards.
Alan

[Kathy Van Kurin]

alanwgraham,
I agree. Every experience is part of the inner being which each of us deal with. We must put away past wrongs done to us and ensuing pain. Many times the complexity of sifting and then tossing aside these memories is a process of time's grace. I thought that the fires were like a message. Because they came and burned for so long and we really had no control over it. We people like to be in control of our circumstances. "This was definitely an example of no one really being in control but just managing. Thanks for reading.
Kathy

[Paul Bell]

As the fires on the land burn. At some point they'll come to an end. Devastation will be there for all to see. People will recover. The fire raging inside you.
That's a whole different storm. May just be the fire burning old wood. A test of faith. But something is requiring change. It's how we go about the change, i suppose is the real challenge.

[Kathy Van Kurin]

Paul Bell,
Here in the Pacific northwest we are still waiting for the Eagle Creek fire to wrap up. The fire fighters have been amazing! You are right though the land will recover. People do too but it all takes time and process I guess. Love your insight: "The fire raging inside of you. That's a whole different storm. May just be the fire burning old wood. A test of faith." We have so much in common with the rise and fall - coming and going of nature.
Thanks so much for your time and thoughts.
Blessings,
Kathy

[Norman 223]

As my son-in law is a firefighter in Australia, but has recently spent a year firefighting in Edmonton,Alberta, he has given us some graphic details of the horrifying wildfires from both those countries.
These extremely hot summers may seem idealistic to "European" holiday makers, but this is not always the paradise that they see. Just like life, in your sobering poem, Kathy, the other man's grass seems always greener, but we should enjoy what WE have,

[Kathy Van Kurin]

Yes Norman, I get what you are saying. Australia and Canada and also here in the Pacific Northwest fires actually were buring as well and a bit after I wrote this we were surrounded by haze and particulates as fires combined. Eagle Creek fire and others and just now I believe are just about contained. It has taken this week of heavy rain. Very bad but now cooler weather and now the work re-enforcing forest edges, roads and planting after things get done smolering. Crazy summer. Thanks for your great insights and news. I so enjoyed it! And I think it is great you have a fire fighter in your family.
Bless you all,
Kathy

[Jennie Baron]

It's so true we all needs God's grace, healing and strength. Your metaphor applies to any kind of loss, not just natural disaster or physical devastation. I found deep meaning in your words.

[Kathy Van Kurin]

Jennie Baron,
The commonality of experience and understanding in the words of others is so encouraging. "God's grace healing and strength."
Thank you so much for your wonderful review.
Blessings,
Kathy

[jacob erin-cilberto]

self-loathing doesn't really do anyone any good...the best thing to happiness and peace is to start by forgiving ourselves...and understanding that we are human.
j.

[Kathy Van Kurin]

Jacob erin-cilberto,
It's nice to have your review and reading. Self loathing? It doesn't seem productive....but you are right; "doesn't really do anyone any good" You have shared your own good words!
Thanks much,
Kathy