Devi

The rise and fall of breath

The ebb and flow of life

And death--

Am I.

Strength of body and mind

The purpose behind

Every act

Am I.

Having long nurtured both

Physical and spiritual growth

Mother and goddess

Am I.

A force to feed and nourish

To help your talent flourish

A catalyst

Am I.

But when the demons rise --

Idleness, pride and vice,

Protector am I.

The latent fire within

Banked down, glowing dim

Flares a dangerous red,

All inhibition shed

Destroyer am I.

I ride the raging tsunami,

The riptide, the flood

I rend, I slash the demons to draw blood.

But my anger shall only be appeased

When the brutish, savage head of the beast

Is trodden under.

Then will I sheathe my flashing thunder.

And sprinkle gentle, cooling showers

As you thank me with fruits and flowers.

Durga am I.