Quietly the embers settle

In the bittersweet after

Once the winds have stalled

And shed blood runs cold  

–

In a fire -swept valley

Reclaiming its breath

Craning up in green spires

From the charred black soil

 –

Rolling thunder falls

From its heavenly perch

Down a mountain’s back slope   

Behind a curtain of smoke

–

So the valley unfolds

Defiantly green,

No matter the banner  

Wafting over the clouds