My dear old Earth:
I see your charm, eternal grace,
Light of Heaven on your face;
I feel the warmth of your embrace;
Your patience at its usual pace.
Oh, how you show forever bright,
Your jewels of celestial light,
And how you change complexion fast,
From dawn of day to night at last!
No better care, nor softer touch
Could equal yours and do so much!
Your custody of Heaven’s Love
Becomes your burden from above.
Your nurturing yields so much for man,
Keeping alive God’s erstwhile plan;
All living creatures, man and beast
Share in your famine and your feast.
Seasons come and go at will,
Yet, nothing could your caring still;
Within your bosom Nature lives,
In whose good care Creation thrives.
Your planetary power holds
Each timely wonder that unfolds,
From age to age and time to time,
Man’s genius that becomes sublime!
Shouldn’t you, dear Earth, expect to be
Respected by us humans free?
There should, indeed, be no such dearth
Of my respect for you, dear Earth.
Among the planets, far and wide,
Heaven had chosen you to guide
Our mortal footsteps high above
Ourselves to reach immortal Love.
And, therefore, I should gladly be
An earthling,
Most respectfully.