Guest Post – Bringing Back the Houses

Dear Friends,

I recently received a note from another fire survivor in Bend, Oregon. She included a beautiful poem titled, “Bringing Back the Houses,” which you can read below.  Thank you Candace, and many thanks to all the fire survivors around the world who continue to share their experiences. Candace writes,

Dear Andi….Reading your post today was like reading the inside of
my head at various points in the past 15 years since we lost our home
to fire. All I can say is that the sight of smoke (and flames and fire
fighters en route to anywhere), the smell of smoke, lightning storms
(which caused our fire) and more are all causes for some sort of
physiological, emotional, and spiritual upheaval. It goes on and on.

It does get better. It is all grist for the mill. Before we know it
each of us will be facing our own death and the loss of every
single thing we have ever loved. This is how I “console” myself. Fire
has gifted me a chance to practice.

Many wishes for your peace….
Candace in Bend Oregon

Bringing Back the Houses

I remember a day last winter,
standing amidst the beams and boards of construction…
spot fires still flaring, burning in my mind.
Looking out to the skeletons that once were Junipers;
mind blazing, heart weeping
I was not sure whether I could come back.

So much was taken…..so much innocence, so many memories,
all the props that told me who I am and where I have been…
“I gave all to the fire” replied the spirit of the house.
“Come back and honor my memory.”

“Come back” called the birds still flying
in migratory patterns over the land.
“Come back” showed the deer as they walked ancient pathways
no longer visible to the eye.
“Come back” sat the stone people who came from fire once
and have endured it countless times since.

We are bringing back the houses.
The land replied with a riot of wildflowers in the Spring…
life, death, and life again.
And now we are bringing back the love.
Our courage and intent are nails that hold the structures together.
Our words, our laughter and tears
have begun to saturate the walls and floors.

Each day that we live and share our lives with each other
inside these houses
we are closer
to being home.

(Written in honor of those who gave so much August 24, 1996)