world’s burning
you can tell by the light
but the shopping mall is still full
I can’t even find a parking spot
to return some pants that don’t fit
nothing really fits anymore 
a guy at the Starbucks as I pass
talking loud on his cellphone
wrinkled shirt looks like it reads 
“God’s gym” instead of “Gold’s”
ain’t all this exactly that
just some endless workout
am I getting stronger
or just a used to the weight 
girl at the counter doesn’t care
why I’m returning my pants 
she shouldn’t she’s too young to 
she’s got long blonde hair
like Joni Mitchell 
a million years ago
is Joni Mitchell still alive?
I remember her so young
just after Woodstock 
her hair like spun gold
back when there was 
peace and love
there still is I guess 
it all just looks different now
the light has changed colors 
35,000 fires have burned 
in this country 
so far this year
you can taste it on the wind 

Alexander Shalom Joseph is an award-winning poet, writer and playwright from Gilpin County, and is the author of seven published books. You can find his work and more information about him at alexandershalomjoseph.com.