A country, wreathed in smoke

coughs its way to a new year

homeless and displaced

fleeing the lethal fires

lives and livelihoods gone

wildlife wiped out

the burning goes on and on

hospitals overrun

by the breathing compromised

no end in sight

hope fading fast

 

while the ones in charge

insist all is well

and announce they’re buying

a fleet of fancy cars

to be driven around in

priorities firmly in place

wallow in luxury

while the people burn

 

God help us all