The Best of Me

A Strange Respect

Inspired by friedtomatoes's "top of the mountain"

I wish I was a Mountain

To have a backbone

So I would never

Bow down to those

I don't believe in

I wish I was a Breeze

So people would

Be forced to listen

And feel

And be free

I wish I was a River

So I would constantly

Move through peoples'

Lives and touch them

In every way

In every place

I wish I was a burning Fire

So I would enchant those around

Me with my dance

And warm the hearts and feet

Of the cold

I am those things

Not individually

And like people

They have flaws

Though their beauty is perfect

Their memories hold scars

A mountain is tough to climb

And people tumble and fall

Down the steeping road

As the rocks slide down behind

A breeze can make people shiver

And cold, and the breeze turns to wind

And in anger, a vortex of hatred

Tearing down lives with its temper

A river is always moving

Focused on its one destination

But when something sweet stands in its way

It sweeps it of its feet and carries it away

A fire burns and spreads

To places where hope once lived

And fills those places up with dread

And fear, and casts shadows

In the night of firelight

I am like all of these

I push people down

I get angry

I am impatient sometimes

I burn

But like all of these things

I am good

I make others overcome a challenge

I am speaking and touching those around me

I am focused and determined to move to my one destination

I am enchanting and I warm the hearts and feet of those in need

Though all of these things

Are very much different

They all have one common thing

Things often are misunderstood

Without this utmost need

Without respect for the Mountain

You can ignore its holds

And stumble and fall

Without respect for the Wind

You tend to ignore

The position you're in

Without respect for the River

You ignore the currents

And be forced into danger

Without respect for the Fire

You ignore its ways

And it spreads

Without respect for a person

The person will crumble

And shrivel

And die

They'll throw boulders down in defense of themself

They'll create a dangerous vortex of hate

They'll knock down anything in their way

They'll spread around the worst of things

All because of you

So be wary, my friend

Of what you say and think and do

And don't forget to show respect

For everything around you

Be hopeful and be brave

But be cautious of who you portray

Do you portray an empty cavern

Shallow and cold?

Do you portray a swamp

Gross and filled with disease?

Do you portray a tornado

Tearing down the hope of life?

Do you portray a wildfire

Burning everyone you touch?

Do you portray triumph

From climbing a steep ledge?

Do you portray a stream

Focused and moving?

Do you portray a breeze

A relief on a hot summer day?

Do you portray a fire

Warm and cozy in a fireplace?

Whoever you are

Whatever you portray

Keep in mind the wonder

Of wonderful things

And the strange respect

You must hold for them

So that you and this world

Will survive