Writing competition - 10 - Entry C

ENTRY C

Wind, Water, Fire and Earth

The chemists say that elements
are single forms, like thoroughbreds.
But alchemists have other thoughts
and say they are by wizards brought.

Examples of the gaseous sort
that pharmacists approved and bought
are hydrogen and helium,
so light to squirt in one's balloon.

"But what of wind"? I hear you cry.
An element to you and I.
But chemists disagree for sure.
The wind comprises several more.

Examples of the liquids be
The bromine soup and mercury.
The chemist, absolutely sure,
we have those two; there are no more.

"But what of water"? I enquire,
an element we all desire.
The chemist sniggers. "no no no",
for water has both H and O.

We now to hot examples lead.
So hot, that special care they need.
There’s phosphorus and sodium;
if left to air they both would burn.

"Aha, I feel we must agree
that fire, an element must be".
"Oh no" rebuffed the pharmacist,
with oxygen as activist.

And so we reach the final myth,
'tis of proportion megalith.
Of lanthanide the chemist speaks
when picking out the solid streaks

"But what of earth"? I gently pry
expecting scorn from up on high
"You might be right" he doth declare,
but only on occasions Rare.