once pristine

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Hûo-Qì 1

Cankerous ulcers in my mouth
are growing. Sores that numb my tongue
and paralyze my speech derive
their strength from surfeits of vital
fire-air that upset the poised
enthalpy within my water
and blood. Thus lush fruits as litchis
are avoided. They are hot and
will further inflame blood with fire.

To rectify my imbalance,
I consume edibles of cold
nature to reduce that fever
in my blood. Cabbage, cucumbers
and winter-melons squish and squelch
in my bowels. But I always
have too much air and too much fire.
Rivers, mountains can change with ease,
but my temper will pass unmoved. 2

-Tsai

1: Qì can mean gas, air, breath, spirit, morale, and (as used in Chinese medicine, philosophy, martial arts, etc.) energy of life.
Hûo qì literally can mean fire-air, its two most frequently used meanings are: 1) internal heat (as a cause of a disease) [A term used in Chinese medicine. When in excess, this internal heat can cause internal disorder; the disorder can manifest, e.g., in the form of canker sores in the mouth.] 2) anger, temper.

2: A modified version of a Chinese proverb: jíang shán yì gâi bên xìng nán yí, which literally means "Rivers mountains easy to change (or rectify, transform, correct); original nature (or character, disposition, natural instincts, inherent being) difficult to move (or alter, shift). The word, gâi (to change), is normally used to describe people and the word, yí (to move) is normally used with objects.