Drought

Light drizzle falls upon the yellow grass
And settles on the brittle withered leaf
Like tears of grief upon a corpse – the cause
Of death unheeded warnings, disbelief,

As if the scientist’s a raving fool
And we can act as gods to burn, pollute
And drill at will. Soon the precious pall
Of slate-grey cloud will burn away and soot

From far-off fires disperse across the earth.
I contemplate Saint Peter’s ancient words
About the conflagration of the world
And wonder if his warning will be heard.
30 Jul 26