.
Deaths by firestorm descending
stairwells made of pallet stacked wood
the venue was an unsafe building
going roofward was no good.
.
Conflagrationed death unyielding
getting out fast to beat the flames
flight and fear watch close walls melting
bodies as ashes have no names.
.
Nine dead several dozen missing
they chose to follow the crowd
an exitless inferno about them hissing
melting life screams terror loud.
.
While celebrants listen to electronic song
thick fire smells like burning oak
the orange element's embrace is strong
wrapping the party inside its cloak.
.
Hellish arson, rebellious wires,
or careless smokers, some senseless reason
unimaginable horror death by fire
enshrouded during Christmas season.
.
allets
12-03-16
114p
.
On December 3, 2016, early morning, a fire swept a party venue in Oakland, California. (510) 332-4092 was painted on the front of the building.