image source: Ben Nelms for CBC “Aggressive Wildfire Threatens Major Okanagan Cities”
Untitled
Only the Lucky Ones
Orange, smokey skies
Cloud our thoughts
Confusion and loss
Invade our lives
Burning out of control
Devil’s breath destroys
Leaving our home behind
Only the lucky ones
Get out alive
-LTW
With the wildfires foremost on my mind, the above poem came to me naturally. I can’t think of a title though. Strange as usually titles come to me first.
I’ve been thinking about the evacuees due to wildfires in both the Interior British Columbia and Yellowknife, in the Northwest Territories. In addition, the tragedy of Lahaina in Maui, Hawaii has weighed heavily on my mind as I’m sure it has with you as well.
Normally I would write about ‘summer’ and what I’ve been up to but summer hasn’t been pleasant with wildfires dominating the news. The season’s no longer as charming as its endless blue skies and incredible sunsets. It is disturbing. I do feel that our world is truly on fire.
Just for reference, the city of Yellowknife is the most northern city in Canada. There is no daylight on the winter solstice and no darkness on the summer solstice. I’ve heard from people who have lived there that it is a magical place where the Aurora Borealis dances and the community, although fraught with a colorful history, is tight knit.
If you are curious about this city, I recommend reading Elizabeth Hay’s Late Nights On Air. I’ve read it twice because it’s that good. It is fiction (semi-autobiographical) and takes place in the mid-late 1970’s. She weaves the political issues and the growth of the city of Yellowknife in her story making the city itself a central character. The story takes you through the wilderness as well which is a vicarious way to experience the Great North without leaving your couch (haha).
I pray the city will survive and the evacuees can return to their homes and livelihoods. Ditto for the city of Kelowna which has been hit hard in the suburban areas. I saw on the news that the conditions for fighting the fires have improved but still, no rain in forecast to assist.
To give you a visual, you see on the map below exactly where Yellowknife is located. The Interior cities in British Columbia are southwestern part of the map.
Summer isn’t over yet and nor are the wildfire dangers. Let’s hope for improvement in the next few days. What’s happening in your part of the world? Do you feel overwhelmed by climate change, or the ‘news’ in general? Let’s chat in the comments. Also, if you can suggest a title for my poem please tell me in the comments. 🙂 Thank you, LA CONTESSA who suggested the title for my poem!
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Berkeley
August 20, 2024 at 6:56 am“…Only the Lucky Ones”
That line got me thinking about many things. At how unfair luck can be sometimes. And how people become victims of circumstances they really didn’t cause. I hope that victims of natural disasters like this will some day find some relief.
Liza Lindeman
September 23, 2023 at 1:54 amThis thought-provoking article captures the urgency of our times. It’s crucial that we collectively address the pressing issues our world faces. From climate change to social injustice, it’s clear we need action now. Let’s unite in purpose and work towards a more sustainable, equitable future. The fire may be raging, but together, we can spark positive change.
lisa
September 27, 2023 at 7:35 amThanks, Liza, for chiming in. A good reminder to ‘take action’ when we can.
emma jones
September 22, 2023 at 2:15 am“Thinking about the world on fire, it’s a stark reminder of our collective responsibility to address pressing global challenges.”
lisa
September 27, 2023 at 7:35 amVery true.
Jeff
September 15, 2023 at 3:26 pmI feel a little embarrassed to say this, but this has been a perfect summer. Here in the mountains, we only reached 90F once, had lots of rain (too much for it’s put an addition we’re adding way behind), but the garden has been wonderful and I’m sick of putting up tomatoes and making pickles, with more than enough to get me through winter.
The fires in Canada, Hawaii, and Washington State have been terrible this summer. I have always wanted to go to Yellowknife (and maybe paddle the MacKenzie River to the Arctic Sea… I doubt I will get to do that, but I still dream.
lisa
September 18, 2023 at 9:32 pmHi Jeff, very nice to hear from you. Well, it sounds like perfection and I’m happy to hear your part of the world is NOT on fire! I hope you enjoyed some fishing and hiking. I’ve been hearing and seeing a lot of tomato recipes on Instagram–everyone busy with their end of summer bounty. It’s also a bit of work but worth it, I’m sure. Yes, the one in Maui was such a devastation. So sad. After I read Lates Night on Air, I wanted to go to Yellowknife, too. We can dream.
Latmospherique
August 30, 2023 at 7:35 amHello Lisa,
That’s terrible, looks like nature is being rebellious these days.
Like your poem as it describe so well our feelings and how so many lives are shattered by this craziness.
Sending you love and hope you and your loves ones are safe.
lisa
August 31, 2023 at 12:21 pmYes, nature is being rebellious for sure. Love that expression, Marie. Thank you so much. Luckily many are able to return to their homes but I believe 160+ homes were destroyed so those folks are going to have to start all over. Very tough but at least no deaths.
Kevin
August 28, 2023 at 4:14 pmHi Lisa
“Devll’s breath” – indeed. Poems, like yours, are so important. These fiery, smoky summers are getting all too common. This year in particular the fires have been so wide spread and tragic for so many. “Only the Lucky Ones” – i like using a line in the poem as the title. My title suggestion was going to be “Summer 2023” if you think this is a tragic moment in time. Or just “Summer” if you think this is an ongoing byproduct human climate abuse and the lucky one’s are spared while the unlucky innocents pay.
lisa
August 31, 2023 at 12:20 pmHi Kevin, thank you for saying that. Writing poems helps me to make sense of things and if they resonate with someone else, all the better. This is the worst wildfire ‘season’ in history. Summer 2023 says it all! “Summer” is “Wildfire” so I would agree it’s a byproduct of human climate abuse. Thanks for sharing your thoughts here. Nice to see you.
DGKaye
August 23, 2023 at 2:48 pmA heartfelt poem and post Lisa. Yes, I feel exactly like you, in fact, I keep saying to my friends that the world is on fire. We’ve still got over 500 fires burning in my corner of Canada, my province of Ontario, and next door – Quebec. We’ve had no real summer here either because of. Thick humidity and grey skies, interspersed with smoky skies. May God have mercy. <3 xx
lisa
August 23, 2023 at 6:07 pmThank you, Deb. exactly! Oh my gosh, yes, I’ve heard about the fires in Ontario and Quebec. Still burning! They say it will go through fall now as the season is extending. Sorry to hear you didn’t have much summer weather. We got lucky here the only thing is it’s too dry. Nice to see you, Deb xoxo
Balroop Singh
August 23, 2023 at 8:24 amHi Lisa, I hope you are far away from the fires but smoke is all around and has been reaching U.S.
We are quite familiar with this smoke and yellow skies, as bay area has seen so many fires in the last 6 years. My heart goes out to those who have lost everything in these fires. I can understand your anguish. your poem captures it so well.
lisa
August 23, 2023 at 12:04 pmYes, luckily for us we are not near wildfires. The smoke has mostly cleared off today. It is quite disturbing when the air quality warnings say elderly and people with respiratory conditions should stay indoors 🙁 Thanks, Balroop!
Tamara
August 22, 2023 at 4:34 pmIt’s terrifying. I remember right before COVID, it was Australia, remember? And the koalas. Then the world was on metaphorical fire. Now it’s literal again. I can’t fathom it.
lisa
August 23, 2023 at 12:00 pmYes, omg! That was terrible! It is hard to fathom. I don’t want to speak too soon, but I don’t think our wildfires are as bad as what Australia experienced. Let’s hope most gets back to their homes. Nice to see you, Tamara.
La Contessa
August 22, 2023 at 10:15 amOnly The Lucky Ones
For the Title?
I feel the same as you!It’s all been too much for me.It’s OVERWHELMING!
It’s hard to feel calm and carefree as there is too much BAD AND NASTY HAPPENING ALL OVER!
Xxx
lisa
August 22, 2023 at 12:08 pmOh, I love that title suggestion, LA CONTESSA!
Yes, it is and also feeling useless as far as helping anything. Well, I’m glad I’m not alone in my thoughts. There is so much happening, you’re right. And I know for me, taking a break from the news helps. xoxo