she wrote it

as though a living thing

in each stroke of the pen

her breath

French philosopher Gaston Bachelard explored the nature of the natural elements of Fire, Water, Earth and Air, as well as Time and Space. In addition, he was author of numerous publications involving his views regarding the state of science in his time.

In Air to Breathe, Frank Prem interprets Bachelard's various explorations in the form of syllabic free verse poetry, each poem restricted to seventeen syllables.

This collection of short poetry draws on Prem's contemplations across all of the English translations of Bachelard's work.

my veneration

nourishes the sun

I bow east

every morning