EARTH, WATER, AIR, FIRE

EARTH, WATER, AIR, FIRE

Geometric crystal structures,
dark of hard-compacted rock depths,
massive and age-moulded mountains,
stony cliffs and veins of metal,
bleak, expansive, desert stillness,
take the stable shapes of earth.

Lulling of low-lapping ripples' shore-splash,
wild, gale-blown billows loud-lashing the land,
streams gurgling, rivers long-looping the plains,
calm, level lakeface reflecting light blue,
sun-glittered raindrops slow-pooling to puddles;
flow with life forms of the world of the waters.

In the rush, roll, and whirl of rough wind,
in the whisper of leaf-rustling breeze,
in a tree-crashing hurricane's roar,
in spring zephyr's soft drift brushing by,
in a winter wind's ice-whistling rage,
in the spiralling rise of warm currents;
runs the breathing, free swirl of the air.

The fury of unfolding, dancing fire,
the still intensity of single flame,
the sun, sight-dazzling centre of day sky,
from heaven giving heat to earth and ocean,
a volcano's hidden and stone-melting heart,
and even embers fading from fierce shining,
reveal the vivifying force of heat.