XVIII
EARTH

While you have raised your arms,           Exodus 17:8-16.
those of Amalek have been lowered,
and this victory quickens our steps
and soothes our brow. And you raise
your cross on high, like the staff of Moses,
not with your hand, but with your whole body
which the angels are supporting.
You are the banner of the Lord, a banner
of human flesh woven by the Holy Spirit
in the bosom of our Mother Earth.

Earth, divine Earth, our Mother;
you, a slave of the sun, a dark star;
virgin earth, wrapped in clouds:
your mountains are maternal breasts
from which water from the heavens falls
on the thirsty valleys, and the foliage
of your green forests shades our dreams.
Your lap is the soft grass that cradles
the soul so that it can sleep forever;
your bosom that gives us bread, gives the Righteous
their flesh, food for a greedy Death;
breadbasket earth, you gave birth to Him!