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