Thin sheaths of ash
born of forest fire
fall
around me
rest in my hair
stick to  
sweaty skin
Rubbing eyes
clouds my vision
Rubbing arms
turns my skin grey
Layer upon layer
ash falls
I stand pierced 
by brutal sun
and heat
Brain addled with
grief and 
lassitude
The weight of this
ash
is unbearable.

***

Photo by Daniel H. Tong on Unsplash