Think of the earth
as a body
out of which
all bodies arise

think of the earth
as the life of life
of the origin
of all species

think of the earth
as a space in which
all movements
are defined

the motion of words
as much as sparrows
of angels as much
as the easterly wind

think of the earth
as time and consequence
all rolled into one
in separable existence

think of the earth
as our home from home
as the ultimate
alma mater

think of the earth
of a place to love
and to be loved
or be damned

out of friable soil
the red rose
and the beauty
of poetry

John Lyons