Fire and Ice

Jan 18

I’ve been thinking a lot about fire lately, trying to wrap my head around the terrible destruction it is now causing in California. This task is made especially hard by the fact that I am currently surrounded here in northeastern Illinois by snow, ice, and sub-zero winds, each of which harbor a destructive force of its own.

Earth, water, wind and fire: we depend on all of them to nourish and sustain us. But gone awry, each one can destroy us in its own unique ways. Sometimes this occurs as a part of the natural order of things on this planet. But more and more often, it is happening due to our own treatment of this planet and its stunningly bountiful—but not limitless—resources.

Will we continue until fire takes over? Or ice? Or will we chart another path?

Fire and Ice

by Robert Frost (1874-1963)

Some say the world will end in fire,
Some say in ice.
From what I’ve tasted of desire
I hold with those who favor fire.
But if it had to perish twice,
I think I know enough of hate
To say that for destruction ice
Is also great
And would suffice.

Originally printed in Harper's Magazine, December 1920.