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While we are away

Our home, on fire

Vast tracts of fuel

Aflame

For months

Thin casts

Of ash

Burn

Like shame

Like whitewater

Smoke roils, curling

On and on

Droplets, embers

Waves of coals

Coat the lungs

Prick the eyes

Without cease

No relent

Until all is blackened, drowned

Until all is black and drowned