when the bad news is delivered

a wildfire rages,

smoke clogs the ear, chokes the throat

swift third degree burn

weightless falling, a

body filled with air pockets

bursting, stinging. Breathe.

stunned, smack into hard

earth, clutching dirt, rising slow,

fight to stay grounded

the current is not

smooth, waves seek to drown, but still,

the river must flow