Burnt
We’ve seen what a vengeful old planet can do
when it chooses to mount an attack.
The sky is no longer a pure sheet of blue
but a vile, toxic blanket of black.
These raging infernos have beggared belief
as they’ve flaunted their merciless force
and all round the world we’re united in grief
over trauma they’ve wrought in their course.
We mourn for the people who’ve already died
for the lives ripped apart at the seams,
for all the communities sadly denied
any chance of fulfilling their dreams.
The loss of our livestock and wildlife as well
has created a harrowing void
and as for the creatures surviving this hell,
their homes in the bush are destroyed.
It’s ever so hard to express the despair
that engulfs us right down to the core.
But we Aussies are tough and, as one, we’ll prepare
for whatever may next lie in store.
Australian Children’s Poetry Website 
We all agree with the sentiments in this excellent poem.
A splendid poem, Jenny. Beautifully written, you make a sincere and moving tribute to this sad season of fire and wind. I hope you will be widely read, you deserve acclaim. Thank you for the opportunity to share it.
This poem is so apt unfortunately. The tremendous fires but we feel for all/those loss of lives.
I felt and saw the golden flames and black ash. Congratulations Jenny.
We need to reflect and think of the volunteers especially and families.
Why does the mind think of even putting a match to the tall trees? Deborah Rutherford
australianchildrenspoetry posted: “Burnt We’ve seen what a vengeful old planet can do when it chooses to mount an attack. The sky is no longer a pure sheet of blue but a vile, toxic blanket of black. These raging infernos have beggared belief as they’v”
Thank you Jenny for sharing the magnitude of our grief, while inspiring strength of resolve and an ability to face the future in this succinct and powerful poem.