Conflagration

INTRO:
These are strange nights in the world. The news carries the language of escalation again—alliances tightening, threats answered with threats, the uneasy feeling that the great powers are moving pieces on a board none of us control.

By Vincent R. Pozon

I was roused from sleep that night,
an awakening that was
like the jab of a nightmare.

With heart pounding, I wobbled
toward the door, then I stopped—
the commotion was outside.

Cautious now, I creaked it
open and sirens rushed in.
Barefoot on spiky, wet grass,

I reached the fence and tiptoed,
I felt the heat on my face
saw the skyline set aflame.

America is burning.