Taught of a Vapor

When I tutored fledgling minds about the formation and purpose of clouds billowing above their heads, they handed me a shovel. And when I opened the earth to show them a frightening depth, they ordered a rescue team to leap in after me. I've known careful types that snuff out a flame to preserve the candle. Receive from my hands and do not tabulate flesh wounds. My cost is my own to pay. They will not take up what I lay down because is has frozen my lakes, exfoliated my greenery, and driven vibrant life underground. With this gruesome price is made an offering struck down by fierce modesty. Compulsory evenness has caused so many to pass over abundant treasures spilling past best estimates. If it shines too brightly, they will decline out of a sense of unworthiness. Yet if it is irreparably opaque, they will first respond with offense, then sympathy. Do not entreat through the mist of sublime things nor educate upon the ravages of human degradation. Do not teach at all. Snap every correction rod and disperse the smallest seated audiences. A gift which must adhere to qualification is closer to a scheme. Mine is an unfolding that will not alter course for scorpions or doves. Straw hats can ameliorate the burden of sunlight. An umbrella becomes a safe haven in rainfall. Yet to this day, there is none that can negotiate with fog. Slow, observant, and thoughtful are the only three dials available to a traveler until it is lifted. I will not answer your questions or unleash instruction. I will set upon you without warning, and dissipate just as quickly.