THE EARTH MADONNA
Beloved, see, within my close-curved armHe lies, your child. Oh! keep us well from harm!Love him, by all our tender love and true—As I through him find deeper love for you.All our great hopes and dreams and dear desiresLie in this small shut hand; our purest firesBurn here in this new life—your soul and mineFused to new shape immortal and divine.And yet—if in this holy hour and dearGreat Death came down and stood beside me here,And said “One must I take with me tonight, but keepThat one for which your heart would longest weepTears of heart’s blood,——Beloved, I could smileAnd lift the child to meet his kiss the while,So you were left. For he, so dear, so dear,Is but my child—But you, my Life, stay near!