No Single Element Poem by C.D. Xiang

No single element
has tantalized and tormented
the human psyche
more than
its shimmering, smooth texture...

it has driven me
to extremes,
it fuel wars and crusades,
girding currencies
and leveling quarries...

a transcendental epitome
of beauty, wealth and immortality
mythological power
makes it the bedrock
of everything...

its lustre not only endures
but grows stronger each day,
surpassing thresholds
that we think would stagnate
concerns for the environs
don't ruffle the biggest consumer
orifices, demented beings
like fodder for riches...

it might be an invitation to destruction
but everyone is willing
to accept...to accept...
deadly