Elemental life

• Timothy Mckean, Grade 11
• Poetry
• 2004

The glowing ice of heaven lay mirrored on her face
Broken over and over again by her children's merry race
Lady of great terror, lady of great grace
No creature on the face of earth could halt your soothing pace.

Long has he supported the lives of beasts and men
Nourishing the forest, meadow, mountaintop and fen
Circling his light, his life, circled by his brethen
His multitude of barren wastes are a poor omen.

Wild and fierce does he roam and yes, he hungers still
Messener of pain and death, his reputation ill
Long has he wandered, he cannot take his fill
Dust and ashes are his trail, his total spared is nil.

Free and friendly does she live, the daughter of the sky
Constantly she wanders, at rest she cannot lie
Merrily she dances, reaching up so high
Stay quiet, listen carefully; you'll hear her in the rye.