TENANT OF THE EARTH
Portrait of a Goddess
Behold the maiden
Who bears earth's sacred name, With shoulders Laden
With men's burden and shame.
When the land goes all aflame is she left
Burnt and bereft
Of glory and fame?
This question weaves a task
For the bard, who still must ask:
Where is our reputation, where our name?
The portrait is broken, broken the frame! And on the barren face of this wasted place
An ominous silence lies From which there does arise stifled, muffled cries...
Who scarifies? Who defies?