DROP YOUR GEAR
The fire is here. You must decide. If there
Is time, escape. If there isn’t, drop your gear.
In twenty nineteen eighteen seventeen
You must deploy your shelter. Quick. Your shelter.
In sixteen fifteen fourteen thirteen twelve
Deploy. If flames catch you before you find
The ground, it’s almost certain death. Fumble
With handles. Shake the bag open. Step in.
Eleven ten nine eight seven
In four in three in two in one: It’s here.
Lay with your feet toward hell’s mouth on land, Wrap silver cloth around you. Take small sips
Of water. Take small sips of air. Hold close
The ground, hold down the shelter. Hold with hands
With feet, with legs, with elbows. Your helmet
Protects your head, gloves protect your hands.
Protect your hands, protect your head, protect
Your lungs.
Yes, talk to your crewmates, yes, talk to
Your Gods.
The dark it comes to you alone, The winds, the flames, they come.
The shelter heats
With pricks of light, you think them embers coals
You fear you burn you fear. The shelter holds
Your greatest hope. You hold the shelter down.
It’s only safe to leave the shelter when
You know it’s safe to leave.
Sit up. Step out.
Debrief.
02 September 2023
smw/Fuel Ladder
