tears and rage / the landscape is on fire / it’s on fire / it breaks me to imagine lambs running / flighty sheep terrified of roasting / the cat and fiddle is ablaze/ and no one can put it out / grass blades shaved to stubble / scattering / the smell of burnt hair thick and clinging / the hour of combustion is so intense / it sears through the day like sun on a parched field / the fire brigade arrives / waddling through smoke / not sure what they are cupping in their hands / they don’t know how to put out something so devastating and beautiful / dust sharpens the air / makes the world appear crisp / coral halos treetops, smoke misting the edges / chicory plants tilt their heads / mustard stems desperate to escape / the sweat and clamour of the few farmers / their musky breath / all bring them slowly to the truth / even the living are kindling / and nothing is spared.