Chen-ou Liu
Glimpses of Light
flashfloodweareallinthis t o ge t h e r
Rain and snowfall across Southern California has tamed, at least for the time being, the threat of major wildfires in the region; however, ash and mud are flowing across streets in the Los Angeles area, and some schools are closed for today due to dangerous road conditions.
While holding back tears, the School District Director makes an announcement on live TV. Someone whispers behind local residents, “She lost her house and one relative two days ago.” The news camera cuts to an aerial view of a once-lush neighborhood now charred by wildfires, and then to a long shot of a street corner.
skeletal houses
the fruit of a charred citrus tree
clings to its branches
smoldering ruins
an etched mural stands alone
at the temple
About the Author
Chen-ou Liu is the author of two award-winning books, and his tanka and haiku have been honored with many awards. To see his work, visit Poetry in the Moment.