I woke up early in the morning thirsty and sweaty
I looked out the window the trees were still no wind no leaves no flowers
I looked to my left two dogs lay on the ground tongues hanging out
There was an acrid stench coming from the garden

I put on my slippers but my feet began to blister
Was I sick was I high on something surely not
I did not smoke or take any thing so what was the matter
I put my hand on the door knob to go outside Ouch!
I quickly let go my skin stays on the knob. Now I am afraid

I reach for a towel and walk over to the sink open the taps
No! No! I shake my head this is not happening, I rush to the fridge
Open the door get some ice cubes out but they melt before I place them in the towel
What is going on? At least it is wet, opening the kitchen door and standing outside
For a brief second with relief a wave hits me disappointed,
Not cold windy wave I hoped for

I get instead a heat wave so strong my lips cracked and my skin burst into blisters.
The acrid smell I finally realized was the smell of burning flesh
Flesh of my friends and neighbors or the dogs I saw early now dead.

I realize then it is no forest fire it is not a dream
I realize then that I too was melting
I too smelled of burning flesh.
With the strength I had left I look up into the sky which was now bright red orange
Balls of flickering fires coming to me burning me and my last thought before I died was

The ozone layer had cracked.