distance keeps us separated parched lands and dry plains horizons bereft as fire swept across the arduous terrain

cattle and house left in its wake as the flames engulf the land blackened scars, as memory charred an onslaught, no reprimand

steel-caps compress the dirt beneath cooled embers now safe to tread posts lay in flat-top trays to rebuild boundaries, fences to mend

blaze-aid volunteers restore threading wire, fastened with pins first stake implanted in the ground the rebuilding process begins

drooping blackened, rusted wires replace with taut silver stern small contributions, alas new beginnings after the constant burn