Essential to life, but I'm made from two deadly parts. Essential to life, but I can make water dangerous to drink. Essential to life, but I can be used symbolically to ruin fertile soil. Essential to life, but I can make food practically inedible.

I bloomed in red where thorns defend, Yet climbed the sky where mornings end. A color soft, a petaled name, On shields I rest in stately frame.

Born of golden shower, loved a woman of starry power, the harpes kiss on oracle's breath, a death unusual for one such as me.

A country’s own choice to stand on its feet, no longer controlled, a victory sweet. In the states I am celebrated with barbecues and a lighted night sky full of bursts in the sky.

In realms where winged sandals dost glide, A slayer of beasts, though mortal, he cried. With shield of reflection, his valor was cast, To save fairest maid from a fate most aghast.