This painting tour of the Santa Barbara/Ventura coast is quickly developing a wildfire theme. Every time you turn around down here there is another fire raging on another hill. I had a different spot in mind today, but the view of the smoke plume from this little utility road was just too good to pass up.

Each distant hill
Another mound of sticks
Prepared from long ago
For the clouds
To warm themselves
While California burns

These atmospheric bonfires
Often stop traffic
And force the impatient
Onto unmarked utility roads
With no clear exit

Good luck with that
Black Honda Civic

I saw you go in
And back out again
In reverse