Ghost Ship, Oakland.

Roses that were once red

have turned milky blue

rain washed windshield

tear stained cheeks

crosses and dream catchers

catching poems and prayers

public angels who choose to care

community is created from the ashes

hallow and blank

before and behind

behold all in being made new

redeemed, refined

don't be defined by the brokenness

create with the light

hold onto love with great might

The flowers juxtaposed with police cars and rain that washed away notes handwritten and heart soaked. The tragedy goes beyond the fire and lives lost, the community mourns. As an artist I feel the weight of the Ghostship fires. There is an ever present need and hunger for homes for artists to live in, create in and be free in. As a society we must learn to value, support and cultivate creative communities. For we are the ones that birth culture and life into the streets and society. What are we to do? Comfort, encourage and look after the artists in your community. Buy our art, commission us to create, listen to our music (and pay for it!), welcome us into your home, give tips, ask questions and accept us for who we are and what we are created to do: create.

Please pray for the city of Oakland, the arts community and the families and friends of those who passed. It is time for redemption, refinement, rebirth and light.

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." Matthew 5