Oxygen
1
As in I’m in favor of
And would like more;
My neighborly air
Too damp
Like Arabian palaces
And towers, craving
Light and space and
Breathing in and out
In an Earth-blue sky
Anyone offering work
Maybe
With room and board
Arizona or how about
California? Or in
Situ the Alhambra?
I know, there are
Wildfires out west—
Conflagration of a
Kind (unkind) along an
Eastern sea;
Thieving atmosphere
Suffocates
Inhaling things
2
All fire swindled from
Prometheus someday
Will cease
In recompense,
While damage to open
Lungs and other
Capabilities are
Prolonged matters
Fire-scarred will
Propitiates our faults,
Mitigates any anger
For the rest, leaving
For last joys our homely
Fires burning against
Night
We, dwelling through
The cold, may story-
Tell the impact of our
Age
(epilogue)
Oxygen feeds fire and
Needful issues
Propelled by nascent
Hope and sometimes
By outraged
We have no choice but
To deal in both
Breathe in air, then
Breathe out our part
clcouch123 
August 11, 2016 at 12:32 am
oooooh. the cascade of this poem is truly engrossing, it felt like travelling in the corners of your own brain, brother. (that might sound gross but that’s how it felt. :D) it’s like I am sinking deeper into your thoughts and that last four lines are just the perfect ending. it’s like a feeling of finding the coveted treasure in your deep thoughts. 🙂 (i hope i made sense. :D)
August 12, 2016 at 5:40 pm
Not all at–travelling in the corners of my brain sounds cool! You’re right, the poem is a journey in. I’m pleased you like the last part; it was a struggle in composing. Sister, thank you for your strong, heartfelt response!
August 15, 2016 at 12:06 am
The struggle was not felt, brother. This poem just flows for me. 🙂 ❤
August 12, 2016 at 1:47 am
You’ve written a fascinating piece. The need for oxygen, even oxygen which is too damp, when the air is too thick and humid. I hate that too, less energy on this days too, eh? But also, they’re a other places with dryer air where there are forest fires and the trees which need the carbon we breathe out, burn out of control. Yet, in your third part you say, we require both oxygen and carbon. We don’t have a choice. If we are to breathe out the air the trees give, we have to breathe out the carbon they require in photosynthesis. Great piece. Enjoyed it, very thoughtful my friend.
August 12, 2016 at 5:43 pm
Less energy on these wet days. So true! I’m delighted you like the poem as you do. Yes, despite all the drawbacks and even the dangers, we need oxygen and carbon (that’s a great summating word) anywhere and somewhere. Friend, you are a treat. Thanks for your sharing here (well, anywhere)!
August 12, 2016 at 6:04 pm
Hank you Christopher. You’re welcome 🙂