We didn’t start the fire

Don’t look so scared my dear friend
Yes I know the forest is on fire
I’ve flown above the burning trees
The flames are reaching higher and higher
Whole families have died or have fled
Your kind and mine and many others
Where its dry it’s flaming orange with no respite
In the surrounding green , the smoke smothers.

But I know that if you go along this way
As fast as your agile legs can run
You can get to the place where its safe
But rest not till the day is done.
There , when you reach the river’s edge
You’ll find others in the cool glades
The crowd is surging in that verdant space
There is togetherness and the comfort of shades.

Here, where they’ve planted strange new trees
That are fast to grow , with money to make
It’s as likely to burn up furious and fast
Leaving a parched land in its wake.
In yonder part of this forest, where I’ll guide you with care
This land is as it always was
With trees and creepers, weeds and flowers
Cool and fragrant and with dew on the grass.

So come along, let’s waste no time
Let’s hurry before the fire gets here
With its lashing, devouring , fiery tongue
And looming presence, stoking fear.
We’ll dance together in that circle of love
You’ll scamper around and I’ll spread my wings
We’ll all stay together and find our space
Listening to the breeze as through the trees

Picture credit: Dr. Vivek Banerjee , my Facebook friend