Black Summer

She limps from the smoke

Grey fur matted, blue eyes watering.

A forest home reduced to ash,

As the smoke continues to rise.

My eyes water but it's not the smoke,

Limping, looking, for a home long destroyed.

Baby pouched, on the move,

As the smoke continues to rise.

She stares back; sadness, fear.

Ears twitch seeking safety, no more lies

Black nose stung by acrid fumes,

As the smoke continues to rise.

Change will come, they tell us daily,

My watering eyes say otherwise.

A limping mum, no home, no food.

As the smoke continues to rise.