Survival is our basic building block
imprinted: I am life that wills to live,
triumphing over every sturdy lock,
demanding: I will ask but you must give.

A shadow chills this unchecked raging fire
unnoticed: I am death that claims each life,
delaying taking all that you desire,
reminding: I will wield the final knife.

The only comfort is what comes and goes
before and after: I am link in chain,
depending on the strength of all that grows,
believing: I will future still sustain.

Ignore both past and future if you dare
become a self-reflected icy stare.

- Robert Stone, 19 December 2010