Coal Demon

Says Coal demon to Summer rain

"Why look at me with such disdain?

Why sit there in such a pout

Instead of putting all my fires out?"

Says the rain, "I don't understand,

Why you scorch entire land

Burning brush with deadly might

Cutting lives short in searing light

Is the brief warmth of fire's kiss

Worth any and all of this?"

Says the coal in swift reply

"Do not lay such blame in bold lie

For you cannot point and shout

For some to have rain, some must be without.

For a lake to fill, another must run dry

For one sky to burst, another must die

For who are we for us to say

Which scale tips which way?

It's true I go where I am told,

To refuse the winds would be too bold"

Rain responds in thoughtful grace

As Coal dances in her place

"I see what you say, I see what you mean

There is no life truly pristine.

There is no book, no rule of thumb

But simply doing what must be done."