firestorms raged
and spewed wretched fumes
of burning stucco
as their homes were consumed
Some stood strong
armed with a garden hose
to defend their legacy
The motels were overwhelmed with
displaced refugees
I wore a bandanna
on my face like a mask
rode my bike close to the fires
until I could smell the stench
of my bicycle tires
And drank Newcastles
until the smoke cleared