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.
a very thoughtful and optimistic poem of a better way forward for mankind? maybe one day man will fully understand what it actually means to be kind! .........well written Daniel
Very sincere and reflective poem. After our own mother this earth is the one who nurtures us in endless ways. Of all the Nature's representatives it is closest to us providing means for all our sensory delights. To love and care for her is our primary duty. Enjoyed reading your notes too.
Nurture, Provide, Delight - that's what Mother Earth gives us; Protect, Conserve, Love - that's what her human children give in return. We are allies in our commitment to the Planet! !
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. - - - - - - - - - Love is there not in possession but giving oneself to it, to be one with iit- - - -Earth being the source and destination of our being, we should try not to possess but love it completely. This poem is a pure song of love for Earth.
That's it exactly, Bharati: Purity + Love + Earth = Happiness for people and planet. I wanted this to be a hymn about issues everyone can support. I don't want to support a divisive position and attack others. Rather find common ground and what is more common that the earth we stand on. So this is a non-political politicaal poem! !
This is all very fantastic - the poem as well as the Poet's Notes. The imagery is quite fascinating and very thought provoking. Thanks. I quote- ' Is there a calculation / in mathematics to determine degrees / of love? Unlikely?
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
Is there a calculation in mathematics to determine degrees of love? I have already told it earlier that no measuring stick can measure the length, breadth and depth of love. A wonderful poem.