Elemental Concerns (Revised)

Grassy plains and fields were blanketed by tar Paved parking lots for vacant malls take their toll Abuse of resources was taken too far Ash spews from volcanoes, earthquakes on a roll Brisk breezes bring relief; sultry, summer days Be grateful as gentle gusts grace our land When hurricane winds whip fiercely, homes are razed An omen we’ve been chastised by nature’s hand Fire provides comfort on chilly winter nights But the explosion over Hiroshima Demonstrates man’s abuse of the atom’s might Keeping fire, emotions reigned, the dilemma Water gave birth to our planet’s first life forms Pollution, man-made disasters now rampant Sea life endangered as ocean water warms To preserve them, efforts must be diligent Though elements withstand ravages of time Diminishing resources reflect man’s crimes *For Barbara Gorelick's Earth, Wind, Fire and Water challenge