a better race

I am of a better race-- that cool, water-race
I flow and flow... I never burn
Find a path over anything, and carry much away
as lightly as the dancing oceanspray

See how superior is my formless, glinting face?
Reflecting all, absorbing none-- not one
Break the earth when I fancy, or give breath
to all those slimy monsters poaching time from death

I am of a righter kin-- that distant rushing no-place
I freeze, boil, besiege, linger
Break myself upon you, cursed to be always moving
Find myself within you, trapped, and not-quite-loving

For I am set beyond that humanish disgrace
My essence better than the air, the fire
And holding violence, mercy, truth in smallest measure
I cannot help but live to no man's pleasure.