The Earth Madonna

Beloved, see, within my close-curved arm He 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 desires Lie in this small shut hand; our purest fires Burn here in this new life--your soul and mine Fused to new shape immortal and divine.

And yet--if in this holy hour and dear Great Death came down and stood beside me here, And said “One must I take with me tonight, but keep That one for which your heart would longest weep

Tears of heart’s blood,----Beloved, I could smile And 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!