Planes and pings,

sparks from passing trains

and cancelled soccer games.

Smog and the glug

of a million gallons

of gasoline.

Heat lightning strikes;

a fully booked day

has now departed.

And the marshmallow moon

remains unroasted

above a eerie orange gloom.

Drought spikes

rasp the throat;

there is no singing tonight

around the campfire.

We stay behind filters

pause and pray

for earth,

for a rebirth,

for the desire to cope

with the strange,

and a reason

to hope

humans can change.

©2023 | K. Hartless

Cover Art: “Lightning Storms and Fires….”, William G. Morris, 1934


18 responses to “It Should’ve Been Different”

  1. Your writing has turned somber truths into beautiful art. Gorgeous. 🌑 Hope is not lost. ✨

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Such a wonderful comment. Thank you, Michele. I am grateful for all the lessons of this lifetime. 💜

      Liked by 1 person

      1. You are most welcome!

        Liked by 1 person

  2. The poem speaks of justice for those so terribly wronged. I spent a good lot of time listening to this band I have never heard of just now. Thanks for this, K!

    Like

    1. Thank you, John. I’m so glad you liked Watchhouse. They played not far from here this pm, but I was too tired try and make the drive after this long week. Cheers to a great weekend!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks, I’m sorry that you couldn’t make the gig. Cheers. 🍻😎

        Like

  3. Perfect as the skies turn orange.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Yes, the creamsicle hue is perfect at dusk here, although the wildfires have brought an extra layer or orange.

      Liked by 1 person

  4. it is so sad and scary – well penned

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Beth. I agree. I know there is more we can do, and I think this week’s smog has rekindled my desire to further reduce my family’s carbon imprint.

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Beautiful.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Tiff. I hope all is well with you, friend.

      Liked by 1 person

  6. Well done. I love the video clip!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Dwight. I missed this comment a while back. Hope all is well with you this summer.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. You are welcome. no problem.

        Like

  7. 👌👌👌

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you. 💜

      Liked by 1 person

      1. ☺️🙏

        Like

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