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Writer's pictureLise Parton

Hiding From Smoke

I miss the chirping of birds outside,

And the feel of the wind in my hair,

I'm hiding inside away from wildfire smoke,

With a machine attempting to filter my air...



As I cope with the raging forest fires around me, I use my writing as a comforting means of expression in a scary situation. Once again, I believe it is a gift to be able to use my writing as a means of coping, survival and self-expression. I highly recommend the act of writing if you find yourself in a place where you need to purge emotions and find a means with which to cope. Writing is one of my life-survival tools, and I am very grateful.


Here is another poem I sat down and wrote this morning. I'm sure there are a few of your out there that can relate, as we live each day currently in a state of emergency because of the wildfires...



Hiding From Smoke


I miss the chirping of birds outside,

And the feel of the wind in my hair,

I'm hiding inside away from wildfire smoke,

With a machine attempting to filter my air.


I miss the views out across the fields,

For I can usually see for miles,

And I miss seeing the tops of my mountains,

For their majestic beauty always makes me smile.


I miss the scents of my blooming flowers,

Wafting from my gardens outside,

Instead there is only a putrid burning smell,

That affects my breathing and my eyes.


I miss the delightful bright rays of the sun,

Balanced up in a sky of blue,

Instead there is a staring orange ball,

Surrounded by a fog with a thick, yellowy hue.


I miss the freshness of my outdoor world,

In the embrace of a beautiful place,

I miss the feel of dancing breezes,

And the warmth of the bright sun on my face.


I miss being able to walk about,

And run my errands and such,

I'm limiting the exposure to the air out there,

With so many fires burning and running amuck.


I pray for the much needed rain,

To douse what is burning out there,

I pray for the people and the animals and structures,

And our forests and trees need extra prayers.


I am grateful for the brave firefighters,

And all those who are on the lines,

Every person who steps up to assist us,

Every person who is caring and kind.


For we all want our world to be safe,

We all want to live a happy and productive day,

We all want to get on with our lives,

With these fires gone and out of our way.


And so I sit here and I write to cope,

It is how I navigate and to express that I care,

I share my thoughts, my hope and my blessings,

And my gratitude for so many out there.


For I long for the chirping of birds,

And the feel of the wind in my hair,

And scents wafting from my beautiful flowers,

Through sunny skies and clean, fresh air.


By Lise Parton

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