Fission

I do not expect to understand within the space of my life
How a chain reaction can be created
By splitting one or more atoms apart
With their constituent components undoing more and more
But I do know that there are some elements
That come to rest periodically on my table
Whose properties must be watch carefully
Lest their action, spooked by distance
Cascade into a torrent as a spring unto itself
Summer takes the energy out of this well
Uses it up for the gentle fall
Readies me for another winter
In stillness
Renewing energy after half a life
Radiating the leaves of a tree