We are mineral matter
calcium and sodium
refined into metals
precious and base:
tin ears and lead feet,
hearts of gold and silver tongues.
An iron stomach and nerves of steel
add to our mettle, tempered
by liquid: sweat, blood, and bile.
Ice in veins and watery eyes.
This malleable essence reigns
over bronze-skinned vessels,
which tarnish or rust, alkali
and earth, returning to dust.

Pat Tompkins is an editor in the San Francisco Bay Area. Her haiku and tanka have recently appeared in the Heron's Nest, bottle rockets, red lights, and the Aurorean.