Elemental Me

I am the wind,
gently caressing a brow,
sassy in my attempt
to blow hair in tangles,
spirited as I interact with others,
blustery when confronted by anger,
quiet when faced with hurricane forces.

I am water,
still and peaceful—my true self,
ruffled when forces stir my depths,
frightened and fitful as storms drive me
to churn and froth in intense waves.
Extremes batter my psyche until
I form a whirlpool that drags me down.

I am fire,
feel emotions deeply.
Anger finds me seething with heat,
a burn deep in my grate.
Seldom escaping my surroundings,
my coat of ash, deceivingly pale,
flows like hot lava.

I am soil
for all who wish to be gathered close,
sit, relax, enjoy my softness.
Life rises to blossom in warmth,
then withers when cold winds blow,
retreats, under a scatter of flakes,
for kinder times.

Too much, oh God, too much snow,
too little comfort—chill so deep
that thoughts of starting over
are daunting. My seasons go on and on,
there is no change, no hope
that nature’s battles will improve,
…then…

the sky pours balm,
fertilizer for my soil that lets
the spirit thrive and flourish.
As battles against bitter elements
threaten my very nature,
I find a beginning…
wind, water and fire, join hands to applaud.