*For the people of Lahaina and Kula*

 

There’s an edge to these winds

These gusts of wrath

 

A sharp, deadly edge

Born in storm cells, creating hurricanes

Transmuting spark to flame to raging firestorm

 

These winds carry pain

Carry the ashes, the remnants of destroyed homes

Destroyed dreams

Destroyed lives

Destroyed culture

 

The wind blows, impassive, uncaring…

Like the parasitic vultures that feast upon the vulnerable

Like those who see tragedy as opportunity

Like disaster capitalism

 

These winds bring change

In form of grief stricken ohana

In form of a devastated community

In form of unstoppable flame

 

Winds of loss

Winds of greatest cost

Winds of pain