Wildfires, Drought, Fascist Regimes, and Moments of Joy
Readings and Prayers for These Times
I live in Colorado, where wildfire season is now year-round. And I live in Denver, which has had its own issues with pollution, where some days you can’t even see the mountains. It’s even worse, now, in the summer of 2026, with the incessant wildfire smoke from Colorado fires and those of Utah, Washington, and elsewhere.
We’re also in a time of severe drought out here in the West. The mighty Colorado River, the Rio Grande, and other rivers are drying up. Snowpack is nonexistent. Water restrictions are in place all over the state. Temperatures are soaring, and staying high (as is happening in much of the country).
I, like all of you, live in a time of climate change and climate destruction.
Add to all that, the Mid-Term elections that are looming as of this writing. Two-plus months away to be sure, but looming nonetheless. It’s getting intense.
We all live in a battered world, a tattered world worthy of lament. We’re divided by lies, politics, fear…the list goes on.
Are we having fun yet?
In the midst of all this despair, and endless games of computer solitaire (come on, I know I’m not the only one!), I went where I usually go, which is towards poetry, liturgy, prayers of lament, and prayers seeking for the truth of joy. These resources are simply some starter pieces to help us all navigate these times. They can be found in this PDF file.