Fire and Water once met on the hedge-
Fire flared, Water hissed, to acknowledge
Fire’s to Water what snake’s to snake-catcher,
But they could still keep what’s most to matter.
Fire and Water played delicate games-
Burning and quenching amidst the flames;
The Contest played even for most the while,
For one winning would make It all futile.
Water soon loathed Fire’s searing heat,
While his stock drained, lightening his feet;
Before long, he refused to play further,
Grew his indifference, cloaking his torture.
So Fire then grew three-fold in fiery,
And Water slinked away entirely-
Fire beat about like a ghost possessed,
Water pondered what kept Fire obsessed…
Water wouldn’t know even if he froze
That all Fire craves is Water’s approach,
For the burning throughout soul and body
Can only quench in Water’s custody.
©Asiman Panda 2010
The Timber Trawler 