It comes to life but no one is immediately aware,
Of its existence and the danger lying there!
Moving quickly, in silence, it begins to expand,
Given enough time, it could take over the land!
Nearby, people slumber; no knowledge of its threat,
For the wildfire hasn't reared its ugly head yet!
It continues to build, spreading out far and wide,
Till it has burned all the low ground and no longer can hide!
Then, like a snake, it strikes up through the trees,
Robbing birds of their nests, bringing Mother Nature to her knees!
The animals are panicked, they dart here and there,
Trying to escape the great danger, running in fear!
It consumes all it sees in a frenzy gone wild,
No one is safe - man, woman, or child!
For it knows nothing about the creatures it harms,
It just reaches from everywhere, flames grasping like arms!
It rages in fury, doing damage beyond repair,
As if it is saying "Stop me if you dare"!
2000 Rita A. Hallenbeck
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