To those who barely had time
to save your pets before
abandoning your homes to the flames,
please forgive me for
enjoying coffee on my patio this morning.

To the parents of the boy
lost in the canyon,
I’m truly sorry for fretting
about a pain in my wrist.

I apologize to firefighters
for having eyebrows unsinged

and to all the wild creatures
who thought they’d be able
to see another sun rising.

My apologies to fate
for forgetting your prominence
in the hierarchy of things

and I ask you, air,
to forgive me for all those times
I’ve not cherished your benefits

and finally — grief,
please don’t be angry with me
for not thanking you each day
you’ve left me alone.