Repost requested by T.O., a poet at AuthorsDen, as a reminder that the camping season is upon us with its inherent threat to our forests.
Afterburn
Dead woods Deep and dark shadows born of charred spires pay homage to an ailing moon and swooning stars Ashes like soiled snow carpet a lifeless forest floor Here and there phantoms weakening wisps of smoke wander off like sickly silent sentinels Silence soars here The night has lost its voice Its denizens are dead or have fled Death has dominion over this place and time seems to have stopped How long until the forest fire is forgotten?
HOW SAD THAT SUCH SCENES ARE ONCE AGAIN A PART OF OUR LANDSCAPE. NEAR AND FAR IT HAS RETURNED TO MAKES ITS HIDEOUS STAMP UPON OUR MEMORIES....AND SUMMER IS NOT EVEN HERE YET. DRY CONDITIONS AND A 'SPARK' FROM AFAR CARRIED BY THE WIND IS ALL IT TAKES. WE MUST STAY PRAYERFUL, AMEN. A GOOD REMINDER FOR US ALL TO BE MORE ATTENTIVE. THANKS, REGIS... FOR ANOTHER WORK FROM ALONG AGO THAT IS STILL SO VERY RELEVANT. LOVE, BLESSINGS AND FAITH...HIS+INSPIRATIONS
OMG!! I am just now reading this! I don't know where Cara's dream came from but she cares so much for nature. I see it as the forest fire being the carnage in her young life and the new saplings as the courage, and she's got it!, as her today. She is struggling upward and doing a great job. Do you get my picture? Could your poem be harboring something similar? So cool!
Very moving and sad and yet after all is said and done fire cleanses and the earth renews itself and will once again flourish and support life. Liked this very much. Thanks for sharing. Shay
Most campers I know aren't careless, stay by their fires and put them out safely, There are those that don't care about nature that are careless, and start fires to distruct the beauty of the forest. I suppose it will never end as long as those careless ones are about.
Very contemporary, especially here in the Rockies where pine beetles have killed thousands upon thousands of trees, leaving in their wake ready-made fuel for lightning and arsonists.
Excellent! and what a picture Regis, thanks for the repost what a sobering reminder! May God always bless and sustain you and your family! Be encouraged Regis! Keep on writing and sharing!
Much Love,
Always!!!
Margaret
Reviewed by Peter Schlosser (Reader)
Reviewed on August 25, 2009
Very powerful poem Regis. We have lots of the forest fires out here in LA every year.
I really like this one a lot! Realistic, poetic, beautiful and thought provoking.
I read it because I have a friend in Southern California who's been through a very difficult time lately because of the terrible fires and their effect on many lives and the environment.
A powerful piece with vivid imagery and a very important message. The title caught my eye and I'm glad I was able to read.. Just one of the thoughts that lingered for me.. ( Ashes like soiled snow
carpet a lifeless forest floor)
AWESOME! REG- but, your heart knows this well- WE all must STOP-Think- and REMEMBER: OUr NEXT GEneration of Believers! -NATURE is BEAuTY! :) Disturbing photo of Fatality- Strongly felt! by many! I hope- and I hope leaves an impreSSion on their minds/hearts Foreverrrrrrrrrrr..., as the Fun begins to appreciate Nature in Spring/etc. Thank you 4 getting this well meaning out! Reg. HuGs-Lady,Sheee
Oh Regis! WOW! Mesmerizing and Brilliant piece!
So profound and deep! (I am not sure if I am using the
correct words here, but you did a Great Job, just wanted to let you know. )
'N God Bless,
Becca P Lang (used to be "Henry")
I recall back in '99 when the Florida coastline was on fire. While driving to a convention in Miami, I was amazed at how there were just blotches of blackness, then in the middle of it all, a new spring from a beautiful green palm tree. This was testimony that there is a higher purpose for all that happens, both good and bad.
Wonderful poetic reminder of a lesson in nature,
blessin's Regis,
cynth'ya
A stunning and sobering reminder of what can be lost in an instant - and of how long it takes to recover what has gone - if ever. Apart from the tragedy of loss, there is also the damage and the pain. We can make all sorts of extrapolations about the beautiful world we live in and our responsibility within it from this poignant and well-crafted write, Regis. Thank you for the reminder and the repost. LOL Kate xx
An excellnt write Regis
most enjoyable
Thanks for sharing
William .....Peace
Reviewed by Kate Clifford (Reader)
Reviewed on June 19, 2005
Thanks for the timly reminder. Here in the north we have had many dry days......that worries me when it comes to the forest fires. However the past few days did bring some rain :-)
I didn't have the pleasure of reading the first posting, Regis. Great write! My son-in-law was a smoke jumper and could tell you about the devestation. The power of a forest fire is like a demon with satanic hunger. I think they should re-institute the "Smokey the Bear" campaign that we had as kids to educate the new generation...
Dear Regis,
It is horrifying how much destruction is wrought through carelessness. May your words be indelibly printed upon the hearts and minds of all who read.
love to you
Chanti
I agree with Phyllis, "Few things are more beautiful (and fascinating) than fire. . .or more deadly." How sad when we humans cause such destruction. And yet ... from this disorder and destruction, hopefully, will spring new growth, beauty and nourishment, for man and creature to enjoy. Creation's power is awesome! Wonderful write, Regis!
I'm loving the alliteration sprinkled throughout this piece, Regis.
Centuries obliterated in mere minutes – devastating! Who stops to think that we'll never see it restored in our lifetime? Excellent message, my friend.
Reviewed by Tracey L. O' Very (Reader)
Reviewed on June 19, 2005
Reg/is a Wonderful and caring loving friend and I thank you so much for reposting this. All the life inside the forests and the beauty taken in a moment of haste and ignorance. Regis I cannot thank you enough and I hope all will remember... Only YOU Can Prevent Forest Fires! this poem and picture will remind all to Be careful Pay Attention and Make sure no cigarettes are thrown out, fires are for sure out, stay on the trails and may no greed come into the lands so beautiful so full of beauty. All That Devastaion in a moment of haste ignorance greed.
Regis Thank You Thank You from all the lives and hearts and mine. Thank You! xoox Je T'aime!!
Regis Thank you for the wonderful poem you've written and one day i hope my nagging will pay off so the whole wide world can see and remember before it becomes a reality. I'll be quiet and not nag. I just cannot say enough of how powerful your poem w/ these pictures you've posted on both of them Reality Strikes Hits Hard!! That's exactly what is needed to this blind in a hurry world of people!
Thank You Reg/is Beautiful caring loving and kind and my Friend!xoox
Almost hate to say it, but this is beautiful.
The irony is fitting, isn't it? Few things are
more beautiful than fire. . .or more deadly.
Thank you for this moving, and at the same
time devastating, piece, Regis. Peace & Love,
Phyllis
I know that in the past I have had a very difficult time understanding exactly what the devastation of a forest fire is like and what you'd feel upon seeing it. Thank you for the image that I have now. Excellent write, Reg.
So much is lost in the fires of our forests, including animal life and imbalancing of our ecosystem. Electrical storms are a huge natural cause, but carelessness should never be one of the causes.
You write a well-told warning to all who go camping!
oh, do I remember this well from your first post. it is even more powerful to read it a second time, Regis, and I'm glad you've reposted. Smokey the Bear was my hero as a child... I loved nature so much. You brought some of that back today. Dawn
Reviewed by Katy Walsvik (Reader)
Reviewed on June 18, 2005
"The night has lost its voice..."
This is precisely the line that caused the vivid image of the devestation, and ultimately, the tears. When I fill my head with the kind of quiet, respectful power you've written, Regis, it lasts... I'll be thinking of this.
You have a way of writing honest verse that finds a place in the heart.
Thanks for the reminder Regis! It is a timely one, and
I hope it is heeded. Here in California we have so many
fires from carelessness. Wonderfully written!
Many years until it's forgotten...funny thing is that forests always seem to rebound and flourish after a fire...something about the burn that seems to be chemically good for the soil...however the initial devastation certainly is dreadful. Very good write Reg...love Michelle
The Elements----All Fires,Earthquakes,Land Slides In California,All The Earthquakes,Fires,Tornandos,Hurricanes,Famine,Children Starving,Raped,Maimed ,Killed--All The Hell In This Out Of Control World--In Name Of one Word Greed_
Stop N Think Fire (Forest) In (God)'s Mine ( My Mind) Is (Never) Forgotten,i.e. Re-Read The Above...
You capture the horrors of forest fires vividly and dramatically; stunning imagery will leave a lingering impression. You may have saved lives and forests with this powerful write--BRAVO, Poet and friend, I salute you!
Another searing reminder of what carelessness can cost us. What of the creatures that call this home. Bravo, Regis!
Reviewed by Richard Christopher Suarez (Reader)
Reviewed on June 17, 2005
I like this style poem a lot!
I am un-able to write this way
and it just intrigues me.
Outstanding!!
Rich Criso Suarez
Reviewed by Jerry Bolton (Reader)
Reviewed on June 17, 2005
I don't know so much about that, Felix, but I do wish that they would impose severe, I say severe, punishment on those who set them on purpose. The bastards and bitches!
Reviewed by Susan Barton (Reader)
Reviewed on June 17, 2005
We're in a drought year where I live and I'm sure there will be several big fires. The biggest ones we had last year were set by humans (both intentionally or accidentally).
too soon, unfortunately! scary picture, and a much needed write! i hope you get through this summer okay, regis; you are in my prayers today, mon ami!!
very well done!
(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in tx., karen lynn. :(
fires terrify me..when i was a little kid back in ohio, a kid tried to set my hair on fire (but then my brother and twin sister worked him over; and they got to him before he could light my hair); still, i was terrified, and ever since, i have been extremely scared of fire, especially if it is near me! i have vivid flashbacks of this incident!
I am a nature lover, and everytime I see a forest fire on the news, I cry for our little friends who called that forest home; I cry for the firefighters that become injured or killed fighting these natural disasters, sometimes set by a careless match, cigarette or smoldering camp fire. To the heroes that fight these disasters, and many of them volunteers from around the globe, I give thanks and honor for your bravery and resolve. May the Lord Jesus watch over these brave men and women who come from near and far and put their lives in danger to save ours and the rest of the forest, may He bless you Regis, and those whom you love, and be with you always, and at your side constantly. With much love in my heart, stubborn to a fault, joy to the world, peace on earth, & ((((((((((MANY WONDERFUL SISTERLY HUGGGGSSSS)))))))))), your little terrified sister, Barbie
"If I have to be this girl in me, Then I may as well be."
Explore the mystery of how nature makes unexpected gifts of creative wonders to an unsuspecting caregiver one late night and early morning in southeastern Georgia, USA.
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Love ya!
Jane
Much Love,
Always!!!
Margaret
Your imagery is incredible . . . so finely penned!!
Best to you,
Lance
Blessings,
Keith
Sheila
I read it because I have a friend in Southern California who's been through a very difficult time lately because of the terrible fires and their effect on many lives and the environment.
Axilea
carpet a lifeless forest floor)
Thank you for sharing! ~SilentDream
Janet
Safi
So profound and deep! (I am not sure if I am using the
correct words here, but you did a Great Job, just wanted to let you know. )
'N God Bless,
Becca P Lang (used to be "Henry")
Wonderful poetic reminder of a lesson in nature,
blessin's Regis,
cynth'ya
SMOKKKKKINGGGGG!!
Jennifer
Reindeer
Paul;-}
most enjoyable
Thanks for sharing
William .....Peace
Great capture of a deadly experience.
and by the way...Happy Father's Day
ann
Flaming good poem Regis..
Sandie May Angel a.k.a. Sandie Angel :o)
It is horrifying how much destruction is wrought through carelessness. May your words be indelibly printed upon the hearts and minds of all who read.
love to you
Chanti
Centuries obliterated in mere minutes – devastating! Who stops to think that we'll never see it restored in our lifetime? Excellent message, my friend.
Regis Thank You Thank You from all the lives and hearts and mine. Thank You! xoox Je T'aime!!
Regis Thank you for the wonderful poem you've written and one day i hope my nagging will pay off so the whole wide world can see and remember before it becomes a reality. I'll be quiet and not nag. I just cannot say enough of how powerful your poem w/ these pictures you've posted on both of them Reality Strikes Hits Hard!! That's exactly what is needed to this blind in a hurry world of people!
Thank You Reg/is Beautiful caring loving and kind and my Friend!xoox
The irony is fitting, isn't it? Few things are
more beautiful than fire. . .or more deadly.
Thank you for this moving, and at the same
time devastating, piece, Regis. Peace & Love,
Phyllis
PS: Great title, as well!.
You write a well-told warning to all who go camping!
Micke
This is precisely the line that caused the vivid image of the devestation, and ultimately, the tears. When I fill my head with the kind of quiet, respectful power you've written, Regis, it lasts... I'll be thinking of this.
You have a way of writing honest verse that finds a place in the heart.
Peace, Carole
I hope it is heeded. Here in California we have so many
fires from carelessness. Wonderfully written!
Love,
Eileen
Love Tinka
Stop N Think Fire (Forest) In (God)'s Mine ( My Mind) Is (Never) Forgotten,i.e. Re-Read The Above...
Your Friend,TRASK
You capture the horrors of forest fires vividly and dramatically; stunning imagery will leave a lingering impression. You may have saved lives and forests with this powerful write--BRAVO, Poet and friend, I salute you!
(((HUGS))) and love, Karla. :)
thanks for sharing
love and peac
Huda
I like this style poem a lot!
I am un-able to write this way
and it just intrigues me.
Outstanding!!
Rich Criso Suarez
Felix
very well done!
(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in tx., karen lynn. :(
fires terrify me..when i was a little kid back in ohio, a kid tried to set my hair on fire (but then my brother and twin sister worked him over; and they got to him before he could light my hair); still, i was terrified, and ever since, i have been extremely scared of fire, especially if it is near me! i have vivid flashbacks of this incident!
"If I have to be this girl in me, Then I may as well be."