Chedisky And Rodeo Fires Poem by RoseAnn V. Shawiak

Curling beautifully over tops of trees, touching face-like
branches with the reality of it's harsh devastation.

Burning, flaming Arizona's beautiful ponderosa forest -
the biggest in the world - into cinders, ashes, soot.

Firefighters, volunteers, planes, helicopters, all trying
to stop the horrendous mass of flames.

Thousands and thousands of people evacuated from their
homes, some with little or negligible notification.

Grabbing pictures, albums, some important paperwork,
hugging one another and leaving their abodes.

Tears clinging, hearts torn and broken, not knowing what
will be found when the fire's out and they can return home.

Firefighters managing to save some homes and not others,
doing the best they can.

Kind, compassionate people, volunteers, Red Cross, Salvation
Army, all pitching in together to help victims of this man-
made fire.

Outcome still unknown - Showlow now evacuated - everyone
hoping and praying they will have a home to go back to.

Others already knowing about the ashes and destruction
awaiting them.