Elementals

One love like water
clear and cool
silver plash of fountain
or icy needles of sea-spray
She pervades and sustains
every cell in your body
Her stillness gives you back
your reflection
But her depths contain the power
to drown you

One love like fire
bright flame that dances
and illuminates
You gaze into her crackling heart
and know not what you read there
She gives you her warmth
to soothe or purify
But left untended
she will consume you

And you the wind
that moves between us
your breath stirs into life
the water's surface and
the fire's embers
One you soak up and
return to her the rain
like a gift
One feeds on your touch
that sets her near to blazing
But sweep over her too powerfully
and she will be
extinguished

April 25, 1999

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