The California Wild Fires

I woke up and tried to look out through my window.
All I could see was grey smoke and bright yellow fire – or was it orange?
The flames seemed to overwhelm the dark sky – it was blue, then turned grey then black.
What used to be a “fire season” has become the new “ordinary.”
 
My friends and family members have all left their homes, heading to safety.
I hear my parents calling – time to go, will I see my room again?
I was told to pack the most basic items – how do I decide what is ok to never see again?
The ground is so dry, the air is so thick, and the fires seem to grow and grow and grow…
 
We arrive in our temporary homes – are they really temporary?
I have seen the destruction caused by the fire…it is not possible for us to return.
How long we stay here depends on so many things – are the fires ever going to stop?
My eyes are dry, I cannot cry anymore…my throat is sore from the smoke.
 
There is a solution – I know this is true.  Should we move East?
California is our home – I cannot fathom leaving this land.  Should we stay?
We have had to move before…but not because of the fires.
Shall we just start all over again in a new place?
 
We are all Americans; We are all Californians; We are all humans.