The Fiery Beast

The bush fire rages on, a fiery beast,

It roars and crackles and engulfs the night.

Eating all in its path, devouring its feast.

Big flares inching closer, ominously bright.

The flames leap high, their amber tongues glowing,

Ancient gum and wattle burn in the dark.

The bush is consumed, the flames only growing.

Nothing remains but ashes and singed bark.

People flee their homes, their hearts in despair.

The fireman’s hose no use against the flames.

Communities lost, no point in repair,

Tragedy strikes when their young lives are claimed.

Everything is silent, no more hot breeze.

In the smoky distance, stood one big tree.