1 AUGUST 1931, Page 18

Earth

, I HAVE something to say to you, Earth ;

Let me lie down, stretching my arms on your breast, And be close and at rest. .

As my heart leaps at each green birth of you, So let me feel in my body the life within you, Let my blood answer and create by you . , Give me your trees for lovers,. . And for children your stones ; Let me play with your rivers and seas;

Run with your winds, laugh, calling,to stars,

And sleep rocked in your soil.

0 Earth you have giVen me this body, a beautiful prison ;

Soon you will make it outworn. - • - - - Then my spirit will flow, liquid and soft, sinking into you ; Then I shall be no more I, -

Only a sound and a scent of you, Earth:

PEGGY