Fire! By David Roth © 27th October, 2004 It started like most days. The normal ribbon of pavement and tail lights. Cruising dreamily over the crest of the hill, The sun pouring blinding ribbons of golden light Over my shoulder. Then, with no warning, Fire! A spark Kindled in the morning mist Ripping the senses to full alert For the impending inferno Raging from hill to vale to shimmering knoll. As far as the eye could see, A flaming vista Bursting with brilliant hues And dazzling flashes of light; Crackling tongues of glistening texture Drifting skyward; Each bubble of wind Stirring the cyclonic mix of color. A dancing spectacle Splashing the landscape With crisp reds, Florescent oranges, Luminescent yellows, Sparkling specks of phosphorescence Painting a still life picture Of the life of forest primeval. A blazing mantle of color Burning with passion Heralding the beacon cry The glow of misty summer Giving way To the leaves of autumn And their Fire!