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Temper The Flame

I awaken to form with my eyes to see
a Spirit of life and He spoke to me:
“I Am, so that you are. An image of myself
I have put to you four principles to sustain your life
 however, beware of the one who would imprison you  
 and torment your soul!. Now go!”

I take on the wind and rise to the skies.
The essential of Air fills me and speaks.
“I am Air. Made to sustain you and while I am
 within you, you should not perish. Now breathe
 me into your lungs and go however-watch the shadows, 
 lest the deceiver choke you in the smog.”

I close my eyes and hear waves crashing onto
the sand and rock. The essential of Water speaks.
“To go with the Air, water flows within your blood.	
 You shall not thirst or want. Now rise from me baptized and go 	
 however, guard your spirit from the captor lest your
 spirit drown in bitter waters	

I walk upon green grass and see fruit-bearing trees, hills, and a garden 
filled with things that creep and fly. The essential of Earth speaks: 
"All that I have is for you to take. Plant upon me that which you wish to grow. Build 
from my oak and mud a place to lay your head. Wander freely and safely about, 
for you are home—yet do not let your soul be bound."

My skin blisters. The Air around me becomes difficult to breathe. The Water
in my blood begins to boil and the Earth opens itself like an oven. The essential
of Fire speak. 
 “I am that which you lust for; that which you cry out for...”
  An abundance of need and envy; Of pride, sloth and wrath.  
  With every impure thought, you stoke my flame. With every moment
  spent in debauchery I will consume you. I burn in you.  
   I, that exists within you must be tempered but beware, I enjoy such 
   company. Now stay!”

The Spirit that made my image, speaks…
 ”Be still!  Air, take away from the Fire so it no longer breathes.” 
 He commands further!
 “Water, pour onto it so it may never take on life again.” 
 ”Earth let grow from the ashes, seeds of new life to cover the sins 
  and begin again.”

Now, with the sin vanquished I can bend the knee upon the earth and pray…
 ”Heavenly Spirit, I am thankful for what has been given me to sustain my life.
  I rise to my feet. The sky is clear, the air is sweet, and the world stretches out 
  before me, quiet and reborn. I take my first step forward alive in the balance 
  of the elements that I have been given.”

Amen.

Copyright © riqui velasquez | Year Posted 2026

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