Under Fire

I smell the smoke – my nostrils tingle and my eyes water.

We need to hurry – it’s time for my family to leave.

What about the animals? Where will they go?

Millions of animals have died.

We can rebuild our home, but the animals cannot.

Koalas, echidnas and gliders are threatened – under fire.

I feel so scared – I don’t want to leave anything behind.

My toys, my books, my creations – all precious to me.

I look out the window – the animals are running, hopping, flying,

Trying to escape the smoke and flames.

Wallabies, possums and snakes are threatened – under fire.

They feel so scared. They don’t want to leave their babies behind.

Their burrows, their nests, their habitats – all precious to them.

The animals look at us – we are running, packing, yelling,

Trying to escape the smoke and flames.

We are in the car, finally racing to safety.

The smoke and flames are behind us,

Scorching everything in the bush.

I cry and cry, and beg my parents –

What about the animals? Where will they go?