Smoke

by Cynthia Rucryst

The curtain of smoke parted

for a short while, this morning,

bringing relief

from burning eyes--

not to be confused with

relief from burning fires.

Suffering immeasurable,

devastation widespread.

Many beings of mountain forests

losing more than humans,

In Denny's parking lot en route to winter solstice(with sincere apologies to Gertrude Stein)

by MaryAnn Shank

and if and when
and if and but
but now
and then
forever when

if you were she
and i were thee