Greed

Ash descends like petals

Tossed in spring’s blustering breeze

Siren’s anthem rests

As the hazy ghost town sleeps

Tucked in a yawning bed 

Of charred, smoke-lapped memories

The cinders in my hair  

A cascade of ‘used-to-be’s 

Watering eyes blink closed

Open up to barren soil

Mother Earth’s sweet gifts

Lost to flames’ greedy embroil  

No satiety found

New prey sought through blazing trees

In grief the fire thrives 

On that cruel, blustering breeze