A Demi-God Speaks For The Earth Poem by Daniel Brick

Who speaks for the Earth?
Carl Sagan

Let's divide the world between us
and vie to see who loves their portion
most sincerely. But how will we
judge our passions, or rather the depth
of our passions? Is there a calculation
in mathematics to determine degrees
of love? Unlikely? What if I place my right
hand over my heart, and my left hand
palm down on the Earth, will I be able
to measure Love in terms of a rhythm
common to heart and ground?
Perhaps we should seek a simpler test:
All four hands palming the Earth,
we will look deep into each other's eyes,
and find in their depths the true
dimensions of love. And I'm certain
we will discover in each other equal love of Earth.

Let's sit for awhile on the woodchips
ringing this still leafless maple tree,
its branches only a wintry gray,
no sign yet of the sap of Spring,
the flow of new life. Three massive pines
evergreen impose color and shape in our line
of vision. It is enough for now, until
April rains descend and release
the green energy locked in the ground.
Then a familiar rejoicing will resume!

Dear friend, it is better, far better,
to have a heart broken than lost.
A broken heart still occupies
its niche in your breast, and casts
its broken light over body and soul.
That light, however imperfect,
is still divine radiance that ensures
the beauty of each passing day.
And beauty will attract other beauty
without end. It is only required
that you love the Earth, because
she is the Mother of us all,
she is hearth and home, source
and destination, the place
our children will inhabit...
Do not think to possess the Earth,
become one with the Earth. Make
of her abundance a daily feast
of never-ending proportions,
make of her blessings a place of perfection.