Beautiful Paradox

The air we breathed in Beijing was heavy with the deadliest pollution imaginable. Added to this, the fine dust particles from the Gobi Desert often made their presence known. Just when we thought it was safe to breathe, a beautiful curse pervaded our air. Causing more damage than one could ever envision.

Your beauty captivating

Delicate soft wisps of wonder

White, gentle and pure

Your movements stylish and graceful

Wafting gently throughout

Like summer snow falling

Your presence potent yet carefree

Creating mythical scenes along your path

Remaining impossible to grasp

Modest and humble

Seemingly meek and forever silent

You create a wonderland of vast dimensions

A marvel you are

Mysterious and intricate

Carrying within your realm a myriad of powers

Your softness embraces exceptional strength

Filtering through into cells and organs

Burning, irritating, blinding

A paradox you are

In an instant dissipating in one’s hand 

But forever grasping the eyelashes

Creating havoc in lungs, eyes and throats

Dull headaches

Blocking drains and filters

Dancing lightly 

You bring forth discomfort and damage

Beauty and joy too

Poplar trees 

The source of your existence

Proudly looking down upon the fruits of their fertility 

Nature is wholly powerful

Its beauty abounds

Silently holding each one of us ransom