In the Land of Earthquakes

Why, in the land of earthquakes, Must we suffer disregard As pale as lightning? In a place designed to mingle, Not connect, I am a single band of light Afraid of fading Lest I meet the wet Of human contact. Were I to wane As ebbing tides Would I be any less deserving Of the care One feels for oceans? Were I an edifice of stone Would I be any less a symbol Of the awe one has for mountains? An octopus may encompass All it sees within its grasp But I am less predator than person, Not bereft of longing and able To take all I see to places Of the mind only wishes can imagine. Why, in the land of mayhem, Must I battle with the sky For your attention? Were I a star in my demise Would you mourn me As you would a constellation? See the flicker of my flame For it beams as hot As novas when they bloom and burn.