I feel a flame within
Which torments me
That it both pains my heart
And yet contains me

I feel an empty space
In my heart within
Will what flew out
Come back and rest in me?

I feel the rustling air
Bring a chill within
Fear of what has been
Fear of what will be.

I feel the flowing water
Like tears within
Weeping steady and silent
Will they reach its source?

I feel the solid earth
Growing roots within
Deep in search of love
Will they touch and anchor?

First appeared as Prize winner in The Sunday Brunch Edition of Asian Age dated April 13 2003. The first verse (in italics ) was given and the participant had to complete the poem in five verses.