Flashpoint 572
In early May he assisted with logistics and media on one of the big forest fires burning in northern New Mexico. This was my son’s first battlefield action . . . charred elk lying on the scorched earth, and, on the far ridge, trees exploding into flames!
a planet at war
the spontaneous combustion
of our exploitation
(note: 572 degrees Fahrenheit is the approximate temperature at which trees will combust)
Great poem!
What a vivid poem, sight and sound, and the awful conditions that make this possible.
On point!
Way to put the unspeakable into words, Don! Was there ever a more apropos capture of the climate crisis and its cause–"the spontaneous combustion of our exploitation" ? How unfortunate that it is not upon us alone to reap what we have sown, but all Nature with us. Thank you–and your son–for bearing witness to the Earth's devastation.
Send this haibun to the climate change doubters and see if they will not be as moved—and shocked once again—to read it as was I.
Thank you, Don, for keeping this ongoing tragedy uppermost in our minds. It is so essential.
__ Some words carve significance in your heart's eye: that image painted, by your care, for all peoples' minds. _m
Wallace Stevens was quoted, "Poetry is a daily task of getting the world right." I am not totally certain what Stevens meant by this; however, I believe it is incumbent upon some poets and writers, as well as some visual and performing artists to portray the stark, vivid and nerve striking images that portray the catastrophic consequences of our actions.
Many thanks to all who read Flashpoint 572, and my special thanks to those of you who were moved to comment on the piece.
Here are two links for those of you who might be interested in reading the account of a recent event:
https://www.rattle.com/climate-protesters-throw-s…
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/oct/…
Thanks for sharing this context, Don. Please accept my apologies for the delay in "approving" your post – it was held for moderation because it contains links.
This is a great poem and as a haibun it's full of image and energy and terribleness.
Wallace Stevens was quoted, "Poetry is a daily task of getting the world right." I am not totally certain what Stevens meant by this; however, while Flashpoint 572 may not be how we want to see the world, I hope it is an accurate portrayal, and that it strikes a nerve so we can go about altering our actions in an effort to avert more dire consequences.
Thank you to all who read Flashpoint 572, and a special thanks to those who were moved to comment.