Drought

subtle smoke,
with the embers of trees, it inspires
a choking smell
that floats like the dead
and hangs in a persistent haze
and I can't escape it
and I can't open up the windows
to see, to feel
the living breathing soul
that scatters clouds and birds
and sets the leaves to dance
forever...
I can't breathe
choking on thoughts, on tears,
on the fear that creeps
to and from a dry thing too dry
and I, I...
settle inside
for the fire finds all
and burns with it
all it finds.