With thanks to Yaron Shaool for providing our introduction to this themed collection …

“The ancients believed the world to be composed of four basic elements – Fire, Water, Air and Earth. These were considered the critical energy forces that sustained life. All of these elements are integral parts of matter or the physical universe, and the human body is a physical creation existing in the material realm. Therefore, the human beings were seen to be made of and governed by the four elements. Maintaining a balance between these elements was advocated to ensure physical as well as psychological well-being. 

Almost all cultures across the world accorded great importance to the four elements and the elements came to acquire powerful symbolism. 

The four essential elements exist in all of us and their unique combinations determine our distinct personalities. These elements represent energy and symbolize different facets of human life. They all come from nature. Consequently, by connecting with them and understanding their presence in us, we become aware of our connection with nature and our relationship with the divine.” 

Quoted with permission from www.ancient-symbols.com

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Content for this, the fourth in our series of Poets Collective Anthologies, was drawn primarily from contests conducted at allpoetry.com. Since 2019, anthology submissions and most of the poems on the Poets Collective website come from Write, Share, Discuss, a small group of poets on AllPoetry who are engaged with one another in genuine camaraderie and the thoughtful exchange of in-depth critique. Participants pay no fee for inclusion. All PoCo Publications projects are profanity-free.

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