What am I?
I am Earth the mother,
With all her nebulous memories;
And the young Day, and Night her brother,
And every god that was and is.
As Eve I walked in paradise,
Dreaming of nations, braving
For knowledge; nor begrudged the price When the first baby first drew breath.
I sang Deborah's triumph song;
I struck the foe with Judith's sword; 'Twas I who to the angel said,"Behold the handmaid of the Lord!"I was fair Helen, she for whomA nation was content to die;
And Cleopatra, in whose
The world went down with Antony.
I am the harlot in the street,
And the veiled nun all undefiled;
In me must queen and beggar meet,
Wise age hark to the little child.
I am the life that ever is,
And the new glory that shall be;
The pain that dies, and the brave bliss That mounts to immortality.
