Earth, I Have Loved You Well

By Estelle Webb Thomas

Earth, I have loved you well,
Loved every varied mood;
Each rill and leafy dell,
Green hill and shadowy wood;

And from your bounteous store
Life’s very breath I’ve drawn –
Strange, when I’ll need no more,
You shall give freely on! –

Earth, I have loved to dream,
Cradled upon your breast;
May you so friendly seem
When comes my dreamless rest;

And may I feel no dread
That you must hold me tight –
Deep in your heart, my bed –
When comes my long, dark night!

(1937)