After the Fires, Koalas

After the Fires, Koalas

After the fires, koalas

run to people who offer water, 

drink eagerly,

allow themselves to be handled,

taken away in soft bags

(or one woman’s shirt 

hastily doffed) 

for rescue: their burnt feet 

ointmented and bandaged 

or put into bootees

especially knitted.

They may not know 

what long-term human failings

caused the raging flames

destroying so many of them,

so much of their habitat –

but how wondrous they do know

individuals they encounter

or who approach

can be trusted utterly 

to offer help. How good 

that they are right.

And also see this story. 

Written for 'imaginary garden with real toads' – 
WORDY FRIDAY WITH WILD WOMAN: 
STAYING STRONG IN A WORLD OF CLIMATE CRISIS

(Images: Fair use.)