The End of Fire Season

Autumn is my favorite season, but here in Northern California I have learned to thrive in winter, when rain dampens the threat of wildfires.

In the midst of drought, an ever-lengthening fire season, and the annual stress of smoke and nixle alerts, I am grateful for the early storms that allowed us to enjoy fall in safety this year.

This early end to fire season confused all the plants, so we basically had fall and spring at the same time. Flowers bloomed as the leaves turned beautiful colors. I’ve never seen anything quite like it!

This autumn was a breath of relief, a good gift to our communities, and this poem is my celebration of that gift.

May you and your loved ones also enjoy peace and security this holiday season!

The End of Fire Season

Rain pours and sprinkles
pours and sprinkles
Land relaxing into lush green
All the dry tinder tension washed away
Fiery leaves still on the branches

Fields damp and verdant
damp and verdant
Streams flowing to deep tranquility
All the smoky anxious headaches soothed away
Vineyards yet aflame with oranges, yellows

Birds flit and chatter
flit and chatter
The winter is coming and today is spring!
All the latent autumn worry tucked away
Crisp leaves join tender shoots in the afternoon sun