By Sam Owen
between Cougar Flats and Rising Eagle
looking south and east and back to south
weather vane’s tedious turning predicts
which way I’ll drive outta here, cat
squawling in the back of the car
split decisions on what to take
huffing up and down stairs with
handmade dulcimer, photos,
favorite shirt, and documents
listing what’s left behind
hulking black clouds split and roil up
growing plumes growing fresh fears
and feathery ash, at night
the hill behind me sparkles
like city lights, alone at home
split from voices on the phone,
email, even snail mail can’t
get through, no way to say
we’re ok, split from
a firefighter pulling hose line
flames splitting around him
Sam Owen lives in Winthrop.
