Mark Scrivener Poetry Blog 88 Earth, Water, Air, Fire

EARTH, WATER, AIR, FIRE

The four "elements" of a number of ancient and medieval traditions are not, of course, basic "substances" in the sense of modern chemistry. Rather they represent "states" or ways of things - not only of matter ( solid, liquid, gaseous and plasma or energy- if you wish) but are also, for example, related to the so-called four temperaments- melancholic, phlegmatic, sanguine and choleric. In the most general sense that can also be seen as that which takes fixed form (earth), that which flows (water), that which is expansive and light like wind and flying (air) and that which is radiating and warming (fire) . In this metaphorical sense they can also be related to the consonants of speech to some degree (in a feeling sense). This is about qualities- it is not proposed as part of the scientific or observation classification of speech sounds- phonology or linguistics. Plosive consonants- d, t, p, d, k, g and to a degree m and n (when not "hummed") are made by creating a definite form with tongue, teeth, mouth etc and then releasing it quickly on the out-breath and can be thought of as "earth", the sound l with which the tongue rises and falls like a wave can be thought of as relating to "water", the round r "rolls" lightly can be related to air and the fricatives or blown sounds (eg, z, s, sh, f, v, h ) have a certain forceful energy that can be related to "fire". This little experimental piece attempts to use this (the different metres used are also related to the "elements" in a rhythmic sense). As I have said, this is not an academic argument- the best way to appreciate it is probably to read it aloud or at least be very aware of the sounds mentally. (note- UK Aust. moulded = US molded, centre= center and spiralling = spiraling)

                   EARTH, WATER, AIR, FIRE

Geometric crystal structures,

dark of hard-compacted rock depths,

massive and age-moulded mountains,

stony cliffs and veins of metal,

bleak, expansive, desert stillness,

take the stable shapes of earth.

Lulling of low-lapping ripples' shore-splash,

wild, gale-blown billows loud-lashing the land,

streams gurgling, rivers long-looping the plains,

calm, level lake-face reflecting light blue,

sun-glittered raindrops slow-pooling to puddles;

flow with life forms of the world of the waters.

In the rush, roll, and whirl of rough wind,

in the whisper of leaf-rustling breeze,

in a tree-crashing hurricane's roar,

in spring zephyr's soft drift brushing by,

in a winter wind's ice-whistling rage,

in the spiralling rise of warm currents;

runs the breathing, free swirl of the air.

The fury of unfolding, dancing fire,

the still intensity of single flame,

the sun, sight-dazzling centre of day sky,

from heaven giving heat to earth and ocean,

a volcano's hidden and stone-melting heart,

and even embers fading from fierce shining,

reveal the vivifying force of heat.