NATURAE | Page 2

am most
capricious where my faults lie . When dregs of fits peters , composure
is bestirred .
A rush of Wind . Then a voice hisses .
WIND: If I may
again , Arbiter your pardon , I beseech . Earth rests snugly in repose
from core to outlying crust . Earth too has its scions to bear and nurture .
My intervention is welcomed in the diaspora of seedlings and efforts of
pollination . Thus Earth shall neither lack fresh foliage to clothe its bare
soil nor shall I lack labours to attest to my worthiness . ARBITER: Fair
assemby , I have so far spoken sparsely . Your contribution has been
favourable to our efforts . So it is now that I wish to add to your
orations . While we speak Earth unleashes a torrid surprise . Look
below you . Molten flaming splinters sprout from funnels , lofty
protrusions from surface crust . Springs of ancient wrath spray and
fling its repressed fury , heeding not whom or what it incinerates when
gravity reclaims lava?s spurts . Roiled dust form smoky plumes ,
shroud clarity of view , choke and engulf those hopelessly ensnared .
Lava is no kin to mercy yet its ashes enriches where it settles ,
exorcising the curse of previous barrenness . ( A pause .) Proceed with
the next willing player . I withdraw and the cue is yours to take .

WIND: Breath that seeps through stitches of fabric , permeates
structures , strokes faces with fleeting feathery brushes unseen . A force

which reins you aback even as you strain forth . I bend branches and
scatter flakes of parched leaves all over the sod . Dry current which flay
suspended flags , gushing exhalations that increase swelling of waves ,
a prelude to nature?s outpourings . When incensed my gusts snatch up
loosened surface of an irritated ocean . We unite in a furious enterprise .
Together we pummel coastlines with vehement abandon ....... ah .. but
that is only a hair?s breadth of my intemperance ! Beware my churning
vortex uproots and disbands ! My indiscretion upsets both natural and
contrived array for it is I who play the part of howling harbinger in
nature?s agitations . ARBITER: Another comes ! What have you to add
to this amusing fray ? Speak and we shall bear gladly for you as for all
before .
RAIN: I'm the load discharged by the grey underbelly of
clouds . Slight melting drops upon uncovered brow's arch , spillover
from forehead's incline . I flit like cascading leaves of autumn .
Droplets hover at the seams , swiftly absorbed by fibers . Offer your
hands , watch drops roll from tips of digits , gathering at the depression
of upturned palms then overflowing on to the curvature of wrists .
Showers cast a hazy blur over drop zones of its descent . Beads of
gravel that coagulate at the base of grassy blades are softened ,
plumped and liquefied . Aliment seeps into the earth . Every drop
eagerly imbibed . A feast which mazes of roots cannot refuse . The
remainder , they prudently conserve . I come as torrents broiling with
impatience . Ready at the knock when floodgates are unbolted , sprint
the instant the aperture fits . When seasons assume their turn in even
alteration , I dive to thicken mobs which have descended , not as rain ,
as flakes initially pristine , then soiled as I melt . Verdant lands testify
to my labours but the deserts have hitherto been hesitant .
Wind
reenters the scene .
WIND: Be not carried away with regaling tales of
your might scions of clouds grey . It is I who sweep you while aloft and
guide your trajectory . Deprived of my bolstering breath , you'll be
mere dull thuds that litter immaculate slates of earthly calm .
Another
enters . Speaks .
SEA: Rain , your drops are trifling trickles compared
to the expanse of my form yet you feed me still , with unflinching duty .
Replenishing those lost to that implacable torrid torch of day . Think of
me not as ungrateful . With a sweeping gesture Arbiter orders peace to
those in the forum . Rises to speak . ARBITER: Nature?s luminous

sphere can neither boast nor gloat over its lunar glow . Light that it
sheds on earth is borrowed from solar effulgence . How may Earth?s
turf fluorish or renew itself if denied of sustenance rained down by
bellies of weighty clouds ? The sea shan?t hail its fickle tides without
alluding it to lunar influence . Elements mercurial evolve from
benevolence to presence fearsome . Each stride smoothens each
stumble . For every strength , a flaw . An enhancing