we are the seventy-point-nine percent
and we are everywhere.
we are two parts hydrogen
and one part oxygen.
we dwell beneath the earth,
among the clouds,
and in you.

we work so hard to fill the world with life
the same stuff that runs down
from the corners of your eyes
to the corners of your mouth
when you cry over insignificant trifles
runs down

from the sky


to the sea


and covers the world in between


in an expanse of healthy green.

how beautiful of us to take
the essence of sorrow
and form it into foamy waves
how beautiful of you to bless us,
to drink us, to raise your face to the sky
and kiss us right before we fall.

we are the seventy-point-nine percent
and we are dying.
we are two parts hydrogen
bonded
to one part oxygen
and you.