NOTE: This is a modified version of the poem I gave to a friend of mine. By the way, you have no idea how good it is to be back....even if what I'm writing isn't all the good a comeback. The poem I've written is based on my experience of friendship.
Of all the wonders that roam the earth
the greatest marvel of them all
is the interdependence
and bonds
that together hold the great forces of the earth
the four elements
starting with wind
ever quiet, never speaking
and only whispers
into unaware ears
clear, almost invisible
a good listener, hearing what is said
hearing everything, though the speaker remains unaware
of the wind's presence.
Peaceful,
but whose dissatisfaction
can be felt by all,
it's whip of anger
blowing and roaring,
though otherwise unnoticed,
taken for granted as the air we breathe
yet is necessary for survival
calm, blending into the background
unlike fire
whose fury can be heard and felt
from miles away
whose heat can burn those who touch it's core
it's ego,
whose warmth draws all to it in spite of themselves
who can provide comfort to the cold
whose never ending crackling and chatter
must be heard by those who sit near it
whether they desire it or not
who's fiery rebellious nature
can blind with independent glory
who can turn even the strongest of men
to ashes at it's desire
whose brilliant light influences all
hot, fire,
unlike water
who's rippling surface can easily be disturbed
by the slightest touch
whose waves glide forward smoothly
and provide cool calmness to those it touches
yet whose wrath
can drown many
all feel the thirst for it's cool drops
water has a clear surface
but past the clarity
is a deep, deep heart
a world of it's own, created separate from reality
where one could easily get lost
with a temperament that changes
from high tide to low tide
without apparent reason
unstable, easily pulled by the gravity
of any situation
easily carried away, emphatic,
unlike earth
strong, hard, firm
rooted to the solid rocky surface
grounded, down-to-earth
cannot be shaken,
but can do the shaking
the one that provides a base,
a gravitational pull
that keep all elements
together and stable on it's surface
the one that can destroy mankind
but yet carries the minutest of living things
on its varying face.
The support system of all,
the go-getter, the mother,
the one that can do-it-all
the wise one,
sensible, logical,
independent, ambitious,
earth.
Is it not a miracle?
That these so very diverse,
so completely different elements
work together in harmony
to wield the hands of time
and create something special,
something so wonderful to behold.
Is it not then,
a marvelous example
of the simplicity, complexity,
beauty, terror,
the utter miracle
of friendship?
