Please also see sweetscent62 ’s beautiful “Bushfire” painting which this poem is proud to accompany.

I live in rough mountianous terrian in one of the most bushfire prone areas in the world. With summer temperatures often in the mid 40s and strong winds – watching the sky for smoke is a constant subconscious summertime habit. However, bushfire is a natural phenomenon and some gum tree seeds do not germinate unless they are burnt by fire. We are surrounded by thousands of beautiful eucalypts of many varieties…I have seen them devastated by fire only to return stronger than ever the next year or two. We have also just come through a seven years drought and although gum trees are so hardy, a few didn’t make it.