The San Gabriel Mountains and Eaton Canyon are fire-adapted ecosystems. For example, after a fire, plant species called “fire followers” or “fire chasers” play a role in ecosystem recovery.
In her poem “Fire Chasers,” Lisbeth Coiman celebrates three such species. Be aware: poems may include a volta (Italian for “turn”), a shift in a poem’s thought and tone.
Fire Chasers
Poodle dog chases fire
after the last embers have opened the seeds dormant in the soil
The bush’s deep roots hold the loose soil
preventing mudslides controlling erosion
Whispering bells ring
after the last embers accelerate its reproduction
The bush releases its nutrients back into the soil
improving the soil health increasing biodiversity
Fire poppy erupts
after the last embers accelerate its growth
The flower salutes the slope in orange hues
changing the face of devastation reducing the risk of debris flow
Trail recovery crews arrive
after poodle dog fire poppy whispering bells stabilize the slopes
We thank ancestors & the fire chasers for keeping the mountain
We clear vegetation create washouts & swales
The signage goes last
marking the path for a new generation to enjoy
This country is a matchstick short of conflagration
Who will be the fire chaser?
Who will be the maintenance crew?
Who will be left to recover what we are losing right now?
— Lisbeth Coiman
Lisbeth Coiman is a warrior of internal battles and a trekker of intersecting paths. Her debut book, I Asked the Blue Heron (2017) explores the intersection between immigration and mental health. Her poetry collection Uprising / Alzamiento (Finishing Line Press, 2021) raises awareness of the humanitarian crisis in her homeland, Venezuela. Coiman lives in Los Angeles where she works and hikes.
Local News Pasadena (LNP) publishes poems grounded in current news events from the greater Pasadena, California area. Submit your own poetry here.
I love the stanza, “Fire poppy erupts
after the last embers accelerate its growth
The flower salutes the slope in orange hues
changing the face of devastation . . . ‘
You bring the great processes of nature into focus and there each end is a new beginning. Exciting! And then, in the synchronic way that life happens, you back off and use the implied metaphor to focus on the destruction raging in our country and ask the burning questions. Who indeed!
It’s a strong poem. I pray the evidence of salvation holds true for our national blaze. Well done!
Wow! Lovingly and powerfully crafted, Ms. Coiman. Thank you.
I appreciate your kind words