Fire ~ Water

Isn’t it strange how fire can be snuffed out by its own smoke? Why produce the very thing that in certain conditions could kill you? The smoke needs to be wafted away from the fire in order for the fire to continue, yet it keeps on making more. And it takes in wood and leaves and buds and seeds, things that are useful and necessary for other things to live, and just turns it into something even it cannot use. Fire can wreck everything, yet the world hasn’t yet ended in a blazing inferno.

Water can kill too, even more violently, yet we say it is the opposite of fire. It can be just as painful, damaging, and destructive, but we seem to love its beauty and love it for its tranquil mask. It looks pretty and innocent until it shows its raw power to destroy homes, uproot plants, drown bodies and sink ships. Water seems docile and good-natured until it snaps for no reason. The ocean looks calming, free, and still, hiding its history of destruction and murder just under the surface.

Fire may be destructive, but it shows us its power so we know to be careful with it. Water acts like it is peaceful, but it is just a trap for the poor unsuspecting swimmer. Water gives life, but it can take it away without warning. Fire takes life, but at least you’ll see the smoke.

I know a lot of people who are like water. And so many people think water is safer than fire.