Chlorine and bromine

(a vision in the 1980s in a laboratory)

Chlorine: I can be your friend that cleans.

My bleach removes waste.

Me: Can you please remove the clutter from my brain cells?

Chlorine: Yes, I renew by blowing through sinews of doubt.

Me: Well, you are persuasive! You bite in a good way.

Below my threshold of pain.

(a pause)

I can see job plans.

Bromine: I can also help. I soften chlorine’s wildness.

Adding beauty.

See my brownish-orange colour?

Me: Yes, thank you.

It is like the gold of morning time.

Atoms are my life

and I search for the codes that

govern how they mix. Please be my muse and my song.

Chlorine: Certainly. It is kind of you to commend us.

Bromine: I agree. Most people fear us. Please dwell in us.

Me: You both fascinate me. Let’s pray for fellowship.

Bromine: Thanks, but I am not sure what fellowship conveys.

Chlorine: Me too! However, it sounds good so please do pray.

(another pause)

Me: I pray for elements and man to get along.

Chlorine: Tell humankind that I can help sanitise.

Bromine: I can be incorporated into new drugs.

(I reflect for 30 seconds)

Me: I can share these uses.

My kind can shepherd you.

Your container and ampoule homes are reconceived.