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Lea diagrammas suivants iUuatrent la mOthode. 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 MldlOCOrV nSOtUTION tbt chait (ANSI and ISO TEST CHART No. 2) 1.0 Li |2j8 UA 131 IB IB U 116 2.0 I 1.8 ^ /APPLIED IN/MGE Inc ^^ 16S3 East Main Strmt RochOTttr, N«w York U609 USA (716) 482 - 0300 - Phon. (716) 28e-Me9-Fo» 1^ » Portrait of Ray T.ctvis Jft.r a tainti,,., by Joslnu, Smith. K.lt.A. SONGS of EARTH RAY LEWIS NEW YORK Albert m Charles Boni 1917 A \ psssa3 Copvwright 1916 By Ray Levni .1 s' CONTENTS The Univerae Sings Her Song. .7 I Am Of The Earth 9 We Are In A World Of Action 13 The Resurrection 14 Where Shall I Find My God. .15 I Am Mad With The Joy Of . . . Creation Ig I Am Building 17 Do you Call Yourself A Man. 18 The Womb Of Night is The Feast Of Eternal Knowl- edge 19 I Struck The Iron And The Flames Burst Forth 20 It Is Good To Live 22 One In All, All In One 23 I Am Sick Of Tlie Flag Of Truce , 24 Come Into My Arms ..!..!. 26 We Are The Workers 26 Come Give Me Your Hand. . .27 To-Day, To-Morrow, Yester- day 27 Words: Words: Words 28 Strip Life Of Hypocracy 28 I Command You Be A Man. .29 Civilization's Bloody Sword.. 2 9 What Food Shall I Offer The , Poor? 80 Let Us Be Honest si We Were Made Peers . . . ! ! !32 I Am Here To Reveal You To Yourself 33 The Peace Of Conquest. . . . ". 84 I CI. -u Every Man And Woman 35 Back, You Cannot StopMe. .'36 Love I Have Come 35 The impulse Of The World Is Roman 37 To Make Men Pioneers' .* ! ! 38 Our Children Of The Future*. 39 Democracy 4^ Love Never Love Denied.*. '41 To The Prostitute .'41 I Am Alive '40 My Little Mind 43 Death Or Life? *.*.!'" 44 Prometheus 47 My Song Of Universal Brotherhood ... is My Soul :.*:::::.4l The Hand Of God 49 He Was Made To Love .* ki The Mother Isls '"52 Love Grew ' 53 Lo I Come Forth Another " Being 54 Rule Over The Empire Of Self 66 The Song Of Liberty ..'si Lord, I Love Thee 68 A Revery * * 69 The Pinions Of Mother-Love'eo For Those Who Have Byes To See «| Hark To The Chlming'of * * Bells! 22 Lord, Here Am I ..*.*.' 03 mr*H?: ^^a*te! Awake! .*.'!.* 64 The Eternal Dream Of God.. 66 Beyond All These .Jg Against Their Will Men Must Look Up «« Colossal Shadows ..'.'. «7 Prison Key Toronto Jail" .' .' ,* .68 \ Love Stands Before Me 68 Space! Space! Space! 69 God And My Mother 70 Day 70 bigo 71 Roll On You Thunderclouds. .71 The "Open Sesame" Into Happiness 72 The Miracle Of Miracles 73 Moon! Moon! Moon! 73 The Wind Calls 74 The Crucifixion 75 The Finger-TIps Of Night 76 Farewell Dear Liover 77 My Noble, Generous Lover,. 7 8 The Miracle Of Creation. .. .79 Let Each Man Give Of That Which He Has To Give 80 "And God So Loved The World" 80 The Language Of The Gods. .81 Stars 82 I Love You 82 I Am A Lover 83 If Thou Wouldst Know Thy- self 83 The Maiden And Her Many Suitors 84 Love Is The Cause of Being. .86 Love Came Into My Garden. .86 My Baby 86 Keep For Me Your Kisses. . . .87 Fairest Of All The Sex Were Mothers 88 A Fire-Child Of Love 89 Alone Am 1 90 Despair 90 My Mother's Tender Eyes... 91 My Blessed Mother 91 Within Me All Worlds 92 Come Let You And Me Love. 93 When I Am Near To Thee. . .94 I And My Father Are One 94 To-Night I Am A Mother 95 Dear God, Give Me Love. . . .96 I Prayed For Love 97 Ich Liebe Dich 98 "Shma' Israel" 98 I Am In All Things 99 The Champion Of God 99 The Virgin's Lamp 100 The Mother-Pearl 100 The Cup Of Civilization 101 All That Man Is, I Am .... 105 The Unbelievers 107 To My Mother 108 Jacob 109 Lord Of The Universe 110 If 1 Loved Thee Ill I Will Wander Among Strange People 112 The Soldiers Of All Worlds. 113 The Mother-Love 114 The God Of Gods 116 Graven Images 118 Those Whom God Hath Joined 119 Of My Passions I Am Un- ashamed 120 TO WALT WHITMAN They say I sing- your songs; I know that my tones Are not as full, As round, as vibrant as yours ; Still I am glad That with my feeble voice I have the courage To sing your melodies ; They shake their heads These critics, murmuring, "It is a pity She follows Walt Whitman so closely' And I in place of being dismayed, Pray that I may be enfolded In your strong thoughts. Impregnated with your ideals; And that my songs Will so resemble yours, That all men hearing them Will cry aloud, "Walt Whitn;^q« is their father." i 1 I i 'i Songs of Earth THE UNIVERSE SINGS HER SONG The Universe sings her song; Hark: a thousand voices full, dear, melodious, liquid Pour forth their joy; ^ The clouds brush against each other and I hear their low rumbhng tones across the sky; The planets whirl through space and their high-pitched voices are full of echoes ; I listen to the throaty notes of the gurgling water running over and under the smoothed stones ; The mighty volume of the water-fall as it plunges over the edge of the precipice : I hear the metallic song of the train, heading for California: as It flashes across my vision, I hear the smooth, wet tones of the flowers as they drink ?ht.'^th' '"^ °f ')' y^'^f '^^^"^^" ^^i^»» ^^S in their sleep ; I hear the carol of the lark as it circles the hiavens. ^ 1 he neighing of the horse. Tr!'!ir^''*l^ "moo-oo-oo" of the cow. standing knee-deep In clover her calf sucking at her well-filled telts ; ^ two th?fe'°"^ °^ *^^ ^'°" ^^ *^* blacksmith strikes, one, '^^%nS!J^'^^ '^k'^I"' ""^y*"^ °^ meaningless words as she hushes her baby to sleep; perfTcVcasr'' *''"" *''**"*'* *""* polished, floating with I hear the soft run of scales, the fine tones, the trill, the high nJl^'t^t ^ ^^^^' *^*^ ^^"**^"* c"»nax, the fast-breathilg notes of the oxcited audience, the music of hand-clapping^ H 8 Songs of Earth The Cock-a-doodle-doo greeting to the sun, The newsboys rising inflection, The chanting of the early mass, cool, clean, prayerful, The sing-song responses from the church-goers. The dirge of the dying swan. The voice of the rain-drops striking upon the roof through the mist, Rushing through the eave-troughs bound for the freedom of the sewers; The zip, zip, zip of clothes rubbing on the wash-board. The Melting Voice of Soap-Suds, The Melody of The Peaceful Heart, The Big Tones of Unselfishness, The Galloping Beat of Love, The Muffled Tones of Decency, The Dry Voice of Desire, The Choking Songs of Indignation, The Trembling Notes of Hesitancy; Songs: Songs: Songs: Strains without words, Music of Unreached Heights, Music of Blackest Depths, Arranged for One Verse, the Future ; Notes registered in the Scale of Life, some flat, some sharp, each in their own bar, no rubato, following a Marked Time for each movement; Now forte, now pianissimo, now tremelo — The jerky gasps of Inhalation, The death-rattle, The final exhaling The collapse of the Bellows — The convulsive sobs of relatives — Far off in the Land of Stars I hear the music of the bag-pipes growing finer, finer, finer, Until the flute-like tones of Released Singers come floating through my dreams. Songs of Earth 9 I -VM OF THE EARTH i am of the earth ; Staid, methodical. Old-fashioned, new-fashioned. Working in harmony with the Jaws of nature Obeymg the order of their routine Yet unbound by their form; ^^^^ing in deep breaths of air to nourish my earth-made And exhaling to nourish the source of my in-drawing breaths • I laugh, cry, walk, run, eat, drink, sleep, talk • 1 have my loves, I have my hates ; And these passions are big There is nothing small about them ; I open my arms wide, wide for each movement, 1 dig mto the centre of desires And having found the heart I pump the blood into it and out of it. I am a bird ; Flying over the tree-tops, Fanning the air with my wings And then sailing without an effort. The sun catches me And I am a sun-ray ; Lying upon the face of the placid waters, bivmg life to the larvae which have been deposited. I am a moon-beam ; Dancing like a silvery-sprite Upon the rippling waters. I am a minnow; Leaping out of the lake Tir 10 Songs of Earth As the larger fish pursue me; And now I am a bass, Swimming quietly at night-fall Through shallow waters, Where thousands of unsuspecting minnows Become a prey for me. I am a tigress; Watching over my cubs with jealous eyes. Roaring in my maternal pride, Roaring and showing my displeasure When my mate comes too near my brood; I teach them how to crawl Legs doubled. Belly to the ground. To poise themselves for the spring of death ; And when they bring in the mangled body I point out the best place to attack. I am a deer; Flying nimbly through the woods, Careful that my antlers do not catch In over-hanging branches; As the hunters and their baying dogs come on, I plunge into the water To kill the scent for my pursuers. I am an old woman; Seated before the blazing logs. My cap of white on my head. Knitting, knitting, knitting, I eat little. And sleep a great deal, I am always asking about your family And always forgetting that your mother is dead. Song! of Earth I am a laborer; I come home sweaty From my eight-hours of work ; I give my good wife a resounding smack on her lips. 1 dance my baby upon my knee Patting her soft, plump, little hands With my rough and caloused ones; I enjoy my corn-beef and cabbage Helpmg myself lavishly, The baby meanwhile dipping her hands into my plate. I am a woman of fashion ; Until eleven I lie abed Sipping hot chocolate. Crumbling my toast languidly; At night I am wakened, I dress for dinner. The cut of my gown reveals My white, smooth back to advantage My well-rounded bosoms. As I whirl argund the ball-room, I observe that the eyes of my partner Are filled with admiration. 1 coquette, I fill him with desire And then I forget all about him. I am a priest; Chanting my prayers incessantly, My eyes are fastened upon the sky. Or upon the earth beneath, 1 crush out every emotion, Enduring all forms of penance. I am a lover; Filled with the Passion of Procreation. 'vt night I steal away from many companions 11 frtrr^ 12 Songs of Earth To meet her; I kiss her eyes, her brow, her lips, Giving her the best of myself; I crush her within my arms, I do this with many women And I have a new passion for them all. I am the Unbound Woman; Mad with the Power of Love, I lie face downward To kiss the blades of grass; I press my naked body Against the burning sand, The fire of the contact thrills me ; I love to stand close to people ; the ecstacy in the pressure of a baby's lips : The soothing feeling as I enfold my sisters Within my arms: The exhilaration as I clasp hands with my Comrade-Lover, Pouring forth in beaming glances The full-extent of my heaven-made fires; 1 spring new-born From the seeds of Old Experiences; And I labor and labor to make the flowers Born of me perfect ; I store my soul full of sweets Coaxing the bees to visit me, That I may give them of my best; As I go to seed I d'-eam, and dream — and dream — I put my life-sap into the formation of my children; All that I have gathered I give ; And that for which I hope I give also; I keep on loving, loving, loving. Marking my progeny that they may bring into the world The Spirit of Love, Songs of Earth The Spirit of Immortality; Hail to this New-Born Race : Hail to the Sons of God : Their crosses are placed over the Sea of Blood. And Humanity walks over this Shining Bridge Into the Promised Land. ^ 13 WE ARE IN A WORLD OP ACTION We are in a world of action, We have hugged our golden dreams long eno'tgh- T^lv Jpnf?v.^ our sweetest songs into their ears; They slept through the period ' their babyhood And now that they are full-gi^ ^ We must send them from the shelter of our arras; B^e^'ave'f Lrt!^ "" ^^^"' "P°" ^^^^^ -" ^-t. Do not tremble at the parting, Let us find out if we have nourished Weaklings cSen!°' ''^' "^^^ """""^^ "^"^ "°' understand our They are beyond their years in wisdom," ba^rtn'^' ^'"''''^ °"' """""^^ ^^^' "°' '^^ °*»*" ^o™«n Let us command our children to speak with courage. The Truth cannot be hidden, ^ If they have it written across their hearts, It must find expression ; Rejoice : rejoice : rejoice : All that are parents of Ideals, of dreams, 1 re time is ripe for work, eaXLad" body"" '''"" *"''' "^' *° *' "« »' «» Or losing form enter the World of Phantoms. 14 Songs of Earth [I THE RESURRECTION I am sick of eating half-baked bread, Of hearing squeamish sounds, Of looking upon the faces of undersized people. I tell you that you shall have your inheritance; You can bring your judges, your lawyers, Your sheriffs, you* policemen, Your wardens, your turnkeys, your jailers. Your prison, your piles of unbroken stones, Your chain and iron-ball. Your "black hole," Your bread and water. Your lashes. Your sentinels with their loaded rifles, Your priests, your excommunication. Your scaffold, your hangman, your black cap, Your rope, your "drop," your wooden box, Your Sheet of Lime, I will still live ; I will destroy your armories and fortresses, I will teach the people to become Revolutionists, There shall be war, war, war. Wailing and gnashing of teeth Until all come into their inheritance; The stronger shall not rob the weaker, United shall we stand, God, The Spirit, The Earth our body. O Humanity come be my lover. We will become the parents Of an Adam Kadmon ; The gods have heard my cry And I am pregnant; They whisper that his seed Shall be as the stars of heaven. As the sands upon the sea-shore. -I 'I Songg of Earth Hark: what says the Voice of Thunder? Resurrection: Resurrection: Resurrection The graves already yawn, The Dead awaken ; Ring out ye belis, Ding dong, ding dong, Across the sky, Into the Seventh Heaven ; For gone long, long ago Are all obstructions ; See the stars dressed in Bridal Array Come sailing down the Milkv Way • A^ Tels link their arms with men to rie that hath arisen calls, Anu all are prepared to meet Him. 15 I WHERE SHALL I FLVD MY GOD? Where shall I find my God? Shall I look for Him 'in the skv ^ Beyond the Plane of Vision? ' Shall I lie still and dream And dream and dream. Priding myself that I am A dreamer of God ? F[rHi.^l^ I descend from my Heaven-Placed God Finding Hira seated upon a throne in Hell"- p wheal find Him there I will know that trulv is He. God • And I will kneel before Him, But He will say. "Arise bra»e spirit. In the depths hast thou found Me, In the heights will I find thee." 16 Songs of Earth I AM MAD WITH THE JOY OF CREATION. I am mad with the joy of creation ; I am intoxicated with the bliss Of the Manifested Universe ; I have entered into the Spirit of Love i^xpressed by the Creator in the Coming Down • I look upon the Giant Body of Humanity Keachmg from heaven to earth • I kiss his feet, His limbs, His breasts, His lips, eyes and forehead, I take both of his hands And palm to palm we ignite our fires: He siezes me by the hair Lifting me up, up, up, Until we stand upon an equal footini?. Companions, lovers, comrades: 1 descend with him Into the Path of Drunkards, Watching over them. Breaking their many falls juest too soon they reach The Arms of Death ; We follow the Thief In his midnight looting; At last he has taken all' That he is destined to pay back— A child sleeps by its mother's side We disturb his dreams- Why do you leave your loot O Thief? Out fn^r"" f ^.^^^kened with a child's cry? Out into the night he scurries. Tomorrow we will find him working, He will commence to cancel debts. Weary Prostitute Songs of Earth 17 Through ihe thickness of the night We dog your steps, You are barren, All has been given to Passion's Use Discard the husk * And in the silence await the formation Of a New Body. We follow the Laborer Instilling in his blood The Seeds of Revolt. Now are we in the chamber of the Young Bride We draw these opposing forces together 1 hat the fittest may survive. J 1 AM BUILDING I am building; Perhaps we can build together Have you unfinished castles.? Bring them to me, 1 will finish yours, You will finish mine. Hush— I have something to whisper- When our castles are finished We will steal to the corner At the end of the lane, A !'"^'® a tumbled-down house And O so many thin children. We will give them our possessions; O I am full ot the Joy of Giving, A Joy that IS Infinite. Eternal IS Songs of Earth DO YOU CALL YOURSELF A MAN? Do you call yourself a man ? Then I shall add the woman, Do you call yourself a woman? Then I shall add the man, """ShVc^nTred'^Gift;^^^" ^"' ^'^ ^^"^-^ ^P""^« ^o^H I would take the tireless energy which seeks for physical ex- pression and place it in the Flaming Bowl of Spirit I would ^st.r these fires until their tonnes lick eac^- other's ^^%ui?fo4i!^'"^ ""^"^ '^°'^" ^'°™ ^^^""^^ ^""^ ^°°^ °" * See how the flames play about each other, drawing in in in- One Flame'r' '^' ^^^^^' °^ '^' ^^^" ^^^" fheri ^sbut ^'"?nvSle OnT^ ^"'° '^' '^^' '^"^'•^" ^^ ^^^ Victor, the Thei^_ shining faces' shall light the earth and put the night to THE WOMB OF NIGHT Cr. fool.'^rficent''^^'^ ^^"^^ ^°^^^ ''^ ^^"^ TrUspar^^^^^ ^^^* -^'^^^ her first babe. Lmgering on the Doorsteps of the Past, Translucent Morn : Trembling and naked you stand Upon the Threshold of the Present: riail to you Virgin-Day Born from the Womb of Night. Songs of Earth THE FEAST OF ETERNAL KNOWLEDGE The very sound of the phrase "It is not proper," ' Maddens me. Who says that "It is not proper" > Man with his churchified manners. His goat-desires. Are you ashamed of your body> Cover it, ' But do not attempt to cover mine 1 glory in my nakedness ; Do you satisfy your lus*^ nn^nn.™'"*";^^* ^^""Y" ^' ' ^'^^^ Mantle over you? For my j^ys.'"" "^' '°^ '"'""^ '"^^ ^"""^^t '"''' God said, "Let there be Light ' "There was Light and He saw that it was Good." Ears with which to hear? Eyes with which to see? All organs of your body their allotted work' Are you not imperfect when one organ i'ails to perform its duty' Then why call one of these a king, The other a knave? He that desecrates the Handiwork of the Lord Th" more";:;; ::i ^^^'^ ^-- ^^^ ^ree of Knowledge. The less Evil do you conceive; VV hen you can say, "All is Good," Lo you will find that you have been eating From the Tree of Life, ^ lou have been banqueting your spirit . At the Feast of Eternal Knowledge. 19 20 Songs of Earth I STRUCK THE IRON AND THE FLAMES BURST FORTH Ah Good: I struck the iron and the flames burst forth, I stood before their blaze and warmed myself; 1 drew in the sparks which flew about me; Let the others cry, "Beware, beware": 1 love dangers; How shall I know my strength if I am never called upoh to use It? ^ Fire of Ideals: Fire of Love: Fire of Creative Force: 1 place you in the Crucible and watch the transmutation- Precious Nuggets of Gold acquired through digging deep Down mto the Underworld; s SS g ueep, Golden Heart of Flame, all that you touch shall glow. 'Tis the dawn, 1 must prepare for my lovers now come to greet me • 1 am ready, ' Throw open the windows. Draw back the hangings, 1 shall gaze into the eyes of those that understand me I hat give me back look for look; What need of protestations when eyes can plead so eloquently? Welcome lovers into The Light. 4"CH"y- First comes Ambition ; Her cold, chiselled form stands undraped, erect • x^jw perfect are the curves: A Master-Hand smoothed her outlines • : But I— I am of the Common People— • How icy-cold she is, j I cannot draw her close, Songs of Earth 21 fp«s?her hii"/ '°™ "'"■ '" "^ '"Perfections; WS I'rt ]li"A°n'e'Xre'uV"'° '" ""''' "^^ I wa«h th« Quick-Silver ruining througl, her transparent When lo : my statue smiles, My Galatea comes to life; Awakened Woman : 1 love every fibre of your being- I crown you with a Wreath of Joy: Desire boldly enters: Grown to full-stature, ''""shoiS/ers""""^ "°"' """'^'' f*"^ ^mbrously about his How prv^iound appears his meditation: I strip this Garment of Pretence from him- fevSed; ^ '""'^' ''"''" °' "' '"""'^''' P'"""?' stands Do I^upbraid him that when brought to bay he speaks the Nay, I teach him the value Sl;Vp?otrth^t^^^^^^^ - ^-"^^^^^ ^^-nders. Now ttetrsLkf"^ '" ^"°" °^ '^^^"^^^'• IJhT""^ ^^""""^ '"1° ^^^'' '"-fed veins And they are nourished: ioung and old, Into my arms they come, io each I give That which can help them most, i love them equally. My Father wove for me A Coat of Mary Skins; Which I have donned 22 Songs of Earth Let those that call themselves my brethren Sell me to Unbelievers ; My child sleeps in the Cradle of Creation And the gods watch over his dreams. IT IS GOOD TO LIVE It is good to live, To feel the currents of the Universe Flowing through you into all forms; You take, you give, You give, you take : Wake up, wake up, wake up, Join hands with the wind. Rush over Stagnant Waters Breaking their Scum; Seize the Living Things From the Clutch of Death, Hurry them on to their destination ; Boil, stir, mix. Burn, smooth, roughen, Tear, whirl, hurl. Toss, spill, pound And grind; Let us have action. Use the Light of Day To the Eleventh Hour; The midnight comes Bandaging our eyes ; O let the couch that we have fashioned With our own hands. Be woven from a pattern Of Faith, Hope and Love, Built with an eye for Service. Songs of Earth ONE IN ALL, ALL IN ONE Have don'i with right and wron^ Good and bad. Pure and impure, Rich and poor, Educated, uneducated, Learned, simple, Beautiful, ugly. Fine manners, ill manners. Well-bred, ill-bred. Riches, poverty, Leisure, labor. The wise man, the fool. Moral and immoral, Mine and thine And let us be one; What I lack. What you lack. We have between us, Therefore we lack nothing; Let us adopt our mode of living From the flowers. They are beautiful. Each after its own kind, The sun shines upon them equally Heaven fills their extended goblets With sparkling nectar, The earth gives them sustenance. The wmd teaches them frolicsome games. 1 he bees are impartial messengers v-arrying their messages of love i o each other, Accepting only what each is content to give • Their breath is always filled W ith the sweetest of perfumes, fhey are not gluttonous, 23 24 Songs of Earth They are willing mothers, Most joyful when they are budding; They comfort the sick, ^ Whispermg tender hope Into the Ear of the Dying; They smile upon the little 'cripple In his garret *^ l.et us cease to make divisions, One God, One people. One in All, All in One. I AM SICK OF THE FLAG OF TRUCE ' "c.!' '"' "=« °' ^™« C-"-'-- has given me to I am tired of compromising, I Sfmrni^thTrighTrote'^L'^^ °T ^^ ^-^' iidVtl -(,- to tak: a"^mu1k7inrytatd And fight for Rotten Principles; ^ "'^' To S^! u * *5^ P°'"* of the sword WheTl s'SC°l^'V'''^^°J" '" ^'« <^omain Before fn>f -^'"^ *° '^"^" your own house ^efore cnticismg your neighbors. It is yZ?l!f f^"" ^T ^^"« "ot without, It IS your duty to first destroy the Tyrant That menaces your home and liberty ^ Before you march on for foreign co'^iquests. COME INTO MY ARMS Songs of Earth 25 Come come into my arms wmVo^'coZr-^^ Must I tread the floor A-iKe a caged beast? teTuJi^lS/"' "-O-Wntin, Of Ki„.> Intotheearsof all lovers • Come sip with me My smnt is on fire, The Fire of God Consumes' ^\^/^^ ^'^hin ^onsumes my body, Co"mT,^7'°^'*^^^^™th; )|;Ome unto me You fly fro^°Ve """^^ '"""""i' As from a mad thinr; oii:zi:' ^'^""'"^ ^'"' J shall pursue And overtake you. ^ shall hold you 26 Within my arms, Until you learn To love my touch, Until you know my meaning. Songs of E^rth WE ARE THE WORKERS I take a pick Striking it into the earth ; Good, I have made an opening: Come fellow-workers Take your shovels, Turn over the soil : Ah: I knew that here Was to be found a vein of gold ; Let each man work with all his might, I promise that you shall take away with you All that you have unearthed; Here is wealth Deposited by God, Who shall dispute your claim to it? You are His Heirs, For you are His Children, Let the Law form an army To wrest from you your possessions, We will meet them man to man And in the fight that follows We will scatter their forces Sending them back to the Hell From which they sprang. We are the Workers, We are the Fittest, We will survive. Songs of Earth COME GIVE ME YOUR HAND Come, give me your hand, 1 am mad with the Passion nf r.-^,*- Let me but find willing bod-/s^'"''°" ' And at once will I lie with them- fu"^, *u' ?'""^^J« °f ^y Hope ' O m.„ ^"^^* °^ *^« Future, u men and women : Could you but know How near to gods vou are- i't °* ">' #^^ o^ Common Use But block their going l.et not my lymg with you Leave you barren, mJV "' ^l *^^ g'^^s of a new race- pntLtH^irir--Cu3.om 27 TO-DAY, TO-MORROW-YESTERDAY 28 Songs of Earth WORDS: WORDS: WORDS: Words, words, words, Empty, man-made forms, We have had enough of them; Let us use the language of hands, The light of eyes, The pressure of lips. The movement of the body ; I am weary of my weariness, Of my tired cry, Of my treasonable brain, Of my desires. Of my rebellious spirit. Of the sound of my own voice Discoursing in mighty tones Upon the - oblems of nature; O to be as a little child, To speak naturally. Act naturally. Live naturally. Forgetting sorrow In the abundance of joy. STRIP LIFE OF HYPOCRACY j Strip Life of Hypocracy and underneath a smooth, white body I stands revealed. Take her into your arms, Hold her close to Love's Desire, All her choicest gifts she will outspread upon her lap. Waiting for you to come forward and take that which has been entrusted to her for you, i "Take and make way for your brother," | "His gift is also with me," 1 "Take and make way for others," lafe cries, "To all I give according to their need, This is my task into Eternity." Songs of Earth CIVILIZATION'S BLOODY SWORD The Unwritten Law of Uve A«'-«<^t,on. i Of Child L^hn 'p "^'^"T^ °f Prostitution, ui J^hild-Labor, Respectability, I ^^^I'jO". Religion. d>wardice. I Capitalism, Socialism. Anarchism, I A '^l^^.n^y bow and arrow f^l n"^^""^""-^ ^ ^""t for food; I am called a savage for I kill beasts T clothe myself in their hide The word Luxury is unknown to me V^ou that slowly torture to death Men, women and children. Praying that God may have mercy on your victim's soul. I COMMAND YOU BE A MAN I command you be a man "'^'o^ftl from blows? Plant your feet firmly upon the earth U a°ma^^\*•'"" "^-t to it than you: vrselfthatCu mal'-' °' '"^"- " '^ -" '" -strain I ihe lack MsellSonTroI •"""'"' "P™ *""• '"e danger of aTd\X™;,?Sl'?;?h*^;P'r^ •" ^" ^^u on yo„r knee. ' for the Fruits of Lit JL;^^ ^'^"" "P°" y"". dimbinp duty of all clean people to exterminate Vermin. 29 30 Songs of Earth WHAT FOOD SHALL I OFFER THE POOR What food shall I offer the poor? The weary, emaciated, round-shouldered poor: Every bone of their spine Appearing like a ridge. The hollow chest. The yellow shrivelled skin. Thin covering for their ribs. The shuflFling gait, The hanging head, The hunted look about the eyes. The wrinkles of waste about the mouth. The hot, dry palm With its trembling fingers, The hacking cough ; Shall I sing to them Of a death which lies In an overindulgence of the senses? The glory which awaits their spirit When it has become released From the Bonds of Flesh ? Shall I feed their soul With Heavenly Manna? Or shall I first endeavor To nourish their starved body With the products of the earth ? Come, all you that desire to help. First let us create good red blood. Let us send this coursing Through their ill-fed veins, That they may have The streuKth with which o grasp The Thought of God. Songs of Earth 31 ILE'^ BE HONEST •t us be hoiMiit, .'2 'lanieri c ;d free, ,;^;;« Tr''th in all her forms t\nd hate the Low-Brow of Falsehood: ufu "^^'"brace the Universe Uhat have we to do with cramped positions^ The. sun shines to give light and heat, ^he rain falls that we may drink I he wmd cools our burning feet riie Day unfastens the Bodice of' her Dress pffenng the Milk of Production, he mght spreads out her Black Wings to cover us >elt!o'n i?r £ ^'^ ''^'^ -^ °- -n^-r ^ "^' ^'?nlP"^ 2^*^ ^'^^" ^'"^ dominion over it • >hall we then crawl upon our belly? Eat of dust? ^ i^n '^^f^!^ *° P'"^^ tJie fruit RVhich hes ripened within our orchard? fV c are Immortal, rreated in the Likeness of God, [J e will barter the talents he hath bestowed upon us- For every five that He hath given [Vc will bnng Him ten ; [.ift up your heads, f e Children of God f e Everlasting Ones, \} e are the Flaming Sword Puarding the Gates of Paradise, f\ e must brush ourselves aside. [\hy should we fear the Blade? V IS a mortal one Maying but Mortal Beings ?ut we are The Only Begotten Ones ; n 32 Songs of Earth We are, We have been, We will ever be. There is but One Greater than we ; And we are a Part of That One. WE WERE MADE PEERS Are you not weary of slanders, gossip, backbiting, petty bickering, smirks, grunts, whining, self-commiseration cringing attitudes, sanctimonious expressions, meek voices, inflated bodies, the bully, the blatant loud-mouth the push and pull, the wear and tear, the snarl, growl, pretence bad luck, good luck, "what the neighbors wil say," and all Assumed Virtues? Km °" *^^ ^°^'^ ^^ * kingdom bequeathed to you by The Our Heavenly Father, Let your actions be becoming to your station. You are a Prince, I am a Prince, PorcTf/^"'^."'^^'" ^'l^ '^^^?"^ *^"fi^^* "s in the Court of God V ^ IV"^ to ape the attitude of slaves; Your Mmd was given to you as a crown, ^""domtons"' '"""" '° •" *''""' '" '''^' °^" 5""" ^""of" Life' * ^''''' '" "'"'''' ^""^ '""' **"'' °''"' **•* ""^*'"' ''""wt^Su Lv^s^jta;:;'.'^'' ""' """ "»* ^°" s^" I At creation we were made peers, ' fV.rl^ 7"*'^" *o blame that we have conjured up the form of peasants. t' nt Songs of Earth 33 leering I AM HERE TO REVEAL YOU TO YOURSELF What shall I do with the People of Pretence? The carnivorous animals with their bloate.d eyes smiles, the stain of blood upon their lips? * ^ ^'^7ound "" ^^^^^^^ ""^ Respectability, dashiAg them to the Here is a victim, here another, Come gorge yourself until you needs must vomit- Perhaps your stomach wil! remember the discomfort of over- eating and you will at least become moderate Ceas" t^bfing: '"'' "" ''''''''''' ^^^ ^^^^^ °^ V^^^^' Cease begging for mercy, I am not here to punish you, I am here to uncover you. To reveal you to yourself ; laryVurTll'ol tt^r^'^ ''' '^'''' "'"' ^'"^ '^^^^^' Say they are your pleasure and you are forgiven: My hope for your redemption lies in the fact that when vou Thone^^ ^°"' '''^^"^' °P'''^' '^'y ^^" lose 7he Savor And now O Liar, you come next in turn; ' Tn^o\r E^y^eT o'f'TJufh^^^' ^^"' ^^^^""^"^ ^oul to look ^ "^^Lines -""^^^ ^°"'' ^""^^ ^°"^^ ^''"'^^"^ '^ "Pon dinner ^ %r irLTtinVLf ^^^^ '' ^^^"^^ ^ "-* ^' p--^- For "F^/J,!?," ^ i^°"^^"d days you have dissembled, ^hlch^ou art'' "^°' *'' '"^'°" °' "^P^^^^-^ '"^-^ From this stage there is deliverance. Honesty forms the Egg, Ihe Egg becomes the Crub, .^J'e Body takes on wings, With which the Spirit soars upon the earth [I' 34 Songs of Eatui THE PEACE OF CONQUEST Life, life, life. Joyous, bubbling, gurgling. Tumbling, spouting, Tossing Waters of Flame ; I watch the play of your streams On the surface and under; The light reveals mishapen creatures, Half-man, half-fish, Things that crawl upon their belly Carrying the yoke of many Self-Gratified Deeds Upon their backs; Undiscovered pearls, Forms of unsurpassing loveliness Housing destruction; Puny creatures huddled together, As if their combined weakness Could better combat the Enemy; The Enemy well-fed. Swelled to gigantic proportions, Standing with outstretched fingers Ready to sieze upon all That would venture into fresh waters; I catch a glimpse of well-knit bodies, Battle-scarred heroes, Standing at the head of cannons. Ready to discharge at a given signal The loaded shot ; Commanders reviewing che line of battle, The strongholds of the Enemy; Gentle-faced nurses. Ministering priests To console the living, To close the glassy eyes of the dead; Peace unto you, And yet your peace be with your God ; Songs of Earth For here where roads are covered with thickets. Where beasts he in covert Waiting to pounce upon The Unsuspecting Prey, Here must we fight: Come you strong-backed people I call upon you tc fall in line, Follow on your Flying Horse The steps of those That walk yet close to earth. Their limbs are soft, And when the Dragon darts forth Winging the air to claw a victim, Wield the sword In the hand of the Infant: life, life, life. Peace be unto you. But let it be The Peace of Conquest. 1 CLAIM EVERY MAN AND WOMAN T!^)!!^^""^ ^ *° ^'^ '^'}^ Inanimate Possessions? I claim every man and woman For my own ; I fold them close, Close to my beating heart of love. Giving them all I possess, My treasures of the Past, My Legacies of the Future; I demand nothing in return. Not even their love If they have it not to give; I know that the contact Of my body with theirs Has made them my heirs ; And they will become Givers, 35 I' 36 Songs of Earth Leaving my Treasures For others to hold, To give into the Future. 1^ BACK, YOU CANNOT STOP ME Back, back, back. You cannot stop me ; Do you not see That I am cutting my way out of this world of strain, Vv^here every honest impulse is suppressed, And assumed virtues in order? I go into a Land of Transparency ; Honesty stares the lie out of countenance. Hypocrisy slinks away. Ashamed — ashamed ; Here there are no coverings. All souls are naked. We see the Tainted Spots, Truth cuts away the Festering Flesh, Strength washes The Wound, Love heals it : In the Land of Reflection All undergo a transformation, A Body of Light forms From the Male Rib, While the Male sleeps A deep sleep. LOVE I HAVE COME Love I have come; A thousand hands barred the way, A thousand tongues whispered, "Nay/ My Fool-Heart said, "Go, I pray"; And so I came. Songs of Earth THE IMPULSE OF THE WORLD IS ROMAN The impulse of the world is Roman Nero rules, ' Our wine-cellars are filled with Greed. How7onl%h!n '^'^'*^^ ""''^ '^""'^'"S^ h""'^" blood ; How long shall we prey upon the weaker ones? Uog now eats dog, Nature must revolt and put a stop To this abnormal feasting; The mother-instinct is aroused. Who shall deny its strength ? Who shall stand against its sacrificing spirit? /he beast dies to save her young, Who shall drive off the mother of men When the life of her child is threatened? .ri^y^ P« yo"*" croaking cries of, Ihis IS violence," JJr!?'."^**" y°" serpents that hiss at her approach With love She shall remove the poison ^PP'°*^^' Of your sting. Draw near you tortoises. You laggards That scarcely cover a mile-track in a century You crabs that con3tantlv retreat ^' carrying your worn-out Ideals with you y^o bury your dead. Leave Yesterday wrapped in the Leaves of the Past Tomorrow draws near, ' Woman stands upon its crest ; And burning down the Barriers to Freedom Bids you "Stop Destroying." And build a Cradle For the New-Bom Child. The hour of separation has passed, ihe East and the West are one. I greet The Rising Sun. 37 1 fi i ! 1 k ■ti 38 Songs of Earth TO MAKE MEN PIONEERS To do something^: To cease to be an automatom Placed in a groove, Around which I circle Until like a top I run down ; O to stretch out an arm Filled with the Strength of Creation And smashing a hole in the heavens, Rids the gods to enter Upon the earth ; To fill in the Ruts Of Custom and Habit. To make men pioneers Breaking New Roads Into a Land of Promise ; To live in the Ceaseless Birth Of New Thoughts, To feel the Strength of Samson And with encircling arms Bring down the Rotten pillars Which now uphold the World. Long, long the thoughts of men Have lived in selfishness, The soil refuses To bring forth seed — <^ I would shake this earth Until it quaked And all things hidden Appeared upon the surface. Let us become Destroyers, We will take the Flaming Sword of Youth And slay oflF Dotage, Peopling the Earth With the Children of Eternal Fires. Songs of Earth OUR CHILDREN OF THE FUTURE 39 out in Love's Misguided children, Weak ones, Weary ones, Whin^ R^.°" u°? *^^ ^"'■^^" of pretence; Raiment, ' "^""^ ^'"^ "°* Laugh and cry, Love and hate. Obey the passions that move you: Ihis IS honesty, the first step in the dirert.nn ^f ir a ^"'.he'tllerZ'hr^ufrf "" '"""'' "' '■« "Vision upon Let the hierglyphics that are carved uoon our tn^u. u We Se^v^/at;""" ^'^ ""'^ «<> -V°" '°""'' "' "" wl Zm r'"' °"' '^= <'°°^ 'his key shall unlock r;^'Xa°nTtrS'^' °" "-"-"^ open^lor .hose who And taking our place in the Land of Stars |£Kl ^J-H^„tn^C°:- With flowing locks and loosened robes The trJJ the?^^"^ '"u'^^ Kindergarden, ^ ne trees, the flowers, the busy families of \\'« tu- Oh iT^'f T^ ^^'^ children^d ?e^ ly ^^ '' ^^^"^^ ^'" Oh laugh .laugh: laugh: ^' Our children will be so god-like, so happy i».i it: \- % i!.. 40 DEMOCRACY Songs of Earth Out of the Heart of the Infinite Wings an Unfettered Bird; Out of the embracing Of sounds, ideas, words, actions. Out of the Concealed Bomb of Nihilism, Out of the Confusion of Anarchy, Out of the Soil of my Newly-Acquired Land Socialism my landlord, Out of the Atheistic Negation of an Oversoul, Out of the Conscious Vortex of Electrons, Out of the Blind Contact of Scientific Atoms, Out of the Prayer of Asceticism, Oil of the Impulse of the Voluptuary, Out of a System of Dogmas, Out of the Undogmatic School of Nature, Joy from the White Lips of Pain, Pearls from the Tearful Eyes of Sorrow, Nonpartisanship from the Clashing of Party Platforms, Revolution from the Knouted Back of Slavery, Reformation from the Bloody Bayonets of Revolutionists, Out of the midst of Death, Life, Out of the Eternal Uses, Eternity, Out of the Knowledge of God Man's relationship to Man And the Universe, Out of The Stagnant Pools, Purity, Out of all of these, Out of all Forms of Expression, The Master Force whips to the Surface The Trillions of Lives Which have been ceaselessly building. Democracy. F' Songs of Earth 41 TO THE PROSTITUTF Songs to Mothers, Virgins, Lovers, Children, Heroes, My song to the Prostitute ; Come you outcast, Life has given you a weary task, It has made your body the vessel in which is poured only the Mouldy Seeds of Passion; Poor slave, Yet master of the men that command you. Do you seek to forget your girlhood ? The lover came, You loved and gave the priceless bounty of your soul. And he gave you this legacy, "All men are liars." Weep, weep, I hold you close within my arms, I give you back your confidence in yourself. Who am I that I should sit in judgment upon one of God's Children? I tear off your Badge of Shame, Poor broken instrument of men's desires, I urge you on to greater strength. Your soul is white. White as a virgin. It waits for you to express it fully. LOVE NEVER LOVE DENIED "Are you in love with me"? said he, ||Nay, nay," the maiden sighed ; "I am in love with Love," said she, "This truth I cannot hide." "You are in love with me," said he, "I'll take you for my bride" ; "li you are Love, dear one," said she, "Love never love denied." !l! I I > y I. ,. n ; i- 42 Songs of Earth 1 AM ALIVE I am alive; Every atom, cell, ligament, Aerve, muscle, vein. Responds to the touch of my lover: Come, Love shall wield the sceptre xS'nfA^l' °' T''t M?'^"" ''"« awakened. I descend into the Heart of the Forest, 1 he ferns become a couch, The mterlacing of trees become a canopy 1 gallop to the plains of the West In X"if /,'^\^^r^"&th which manifests itself In the bullock, m the stallion: Over endless stretches of sand Into the desert I go; The sun burns my body. His touch is cooling, A greater fire burns within my soul; The mighty roar of the cataract calU, Love and I are in close embrace. As we leap into the Whirlpool Ihe undercurrent drags us to the edge of a nrecioi.^ Atla^rYam fref '^^'^' '" ^^^' ^^^"'^ ^^^~ And the equal of the gods : I rub shoulders with ruffians. With gentlemen, Mechanics, laborers, Farmers, shop-keepers. Lawyers, philanthropists Scientists, artists. Songs of Earth From their touch I am moulded anew; I am now ready for work, I seek out my Poet-Lover Pressing upon his lips The Kiss of Prophecy; From our Spirit-Contact Springs forth a New Race ; That which was born in the Maelstrom of Oppression Vanishes before their grim approach ; Nature is quickened, She lavishes her gifts abundantly, Teaching the Law of Ebb and Flow; Only to transmute do I descend to earth; And when men pass me by saving- "This is death," J' ^ s* I who have passed through countless lives, I who have countless lives before me I laugh, For I know that there is no death. Only life, life, life. Big, robust, strong, virile God-Life, Endless, eternal. 43 MY LITTLE MIND From ofi the Heights, My Mind, my Little Mind Would sweep me Into a Maze of Contradictions, Into a Cesspool of Doubts, But my soul which stands unfettered Opens its eyes, Eyes which mirror the truth; And before that All Knowing Look My Mind, my Little Mind Is awed, abashed and silenced. I i:: I if !f^ li. I ^' i If' ! 44 DEATH OR LIFE Songs of Earth I am Joy; Around and around and around I whirl Ughdy, lightly I pirouette On the petals of roses ; My body is lithe and slender, Dimly, dimly as through much veilings Can one see the faint Penciling of Womanhood: Love plays a waltz ' And I must learn the rhythm, Softly, softly, musing with half-opened lids Lids concealing eyes Of mystic wonderment. I part the branches of the trees And wait, He comes; he comes: What madness now distorts my vision bending the blood into my temples? This is not he — Yet comes he straight to me— This is the trysting place And none knew of it Save we two; It was whispered to us In the Land where Dreams are bom. His head seems lost amidst the foliage. His limbs appear like gnarled trunks 1 he muscles knotting with each step. His skin a ruddy brown Through which the play of blood Is plainly visible, He wears a mask — I fain would fly But I remain rooted to the spot. I cry out ^1 m Songs of Earth 45 But my voice is lost 'Ere it has had an utterance; Nearer, nearer he comes — This is not man, Some one it is From other Worlds. "Come love come. This is our dance," The voice is strong, appealing. The underlying note sounding the key Of a commandment ; I turn upon him wildly, "I wait here for my lover. You are not he." He laughs And the sky repeating the echo Sends forth a peal Making the very mountains tremble. "Come Flower of Night, I am your lover, Hark, does not the music of Love's Waltz Call us?" "Come, come, Into my arms, I shall teach you The Dance of Love, With each movement You will become a part of it, Come Slumbering Soul, You have not yet awakened, xou shall dance Until you reach the Depths, Until you learn The Rhythm of Love's Passion." 46 Songs of Earth u 1 1" w i I . I >- I h~ h I i. But I exclaim, "No; no; I see now who you are, You are Death, Death: Death: Leave me, 1 have not sought you. For I hate you. Do you hear? 1 hate you, O I am afraid: Your presence suffocates me. You shall not have me. You shall not master me — let me go, 1 am an unwilling partner, let me go, Let me go." His arms clasp me tightly. His kisses burn my lips. They fire my soul, They cloud my reason ; 1 am powerless to resist further- One, two, three. Turn to the left Now to the right. Now together, We dance upon the points of stars, Circling the rim of the moon ; A tortoise moves across the sky We leap to the Flaming World Between its shoulders; I inhale much fire, But it is he that warms me ; Closer, closer our bodies cling- Now do we glide upon floors of ice fc,i Songs of Earth Thin, so tliin — 1 hear a rushing sound. The Covering is broken — Underneath the water runs warmly. "Death, where are you ?" I exclaim, Death has removed his mask. He IS Life. 47 PROMETHEUS Prometheus, you gent.e Son of God • Tet/of C tMi„7f' ^^^^^°"' ^^^" ^"' '^^'' ^-^ You stole the fires of Heaven for man. Becommg an exile from Nirvana. Roammg from World into World 711."^ 1 7:u%^%^^^ ^ "« of «"«. ,a.. Kir., Ignorance warms its liands before the Bla». ..-.t,i.:i As ,f ,, were ashamed to feel the Heat of Li?e '''• De,.re^bsorbs its elemental properties! dl^lSj forever in the For only then do swine feel the Creatine Kiss ' 'nl'ZoV^Wr^^^^^ Fires burn- clean lungs; ^^^'' ^^ '^'^ ^'^^'^ ^^ ^^eir strong, Be of good cheer. Lover of Man, Ood long ago has pardoned you, 48 Songs of Earth ■ It MY SONG OF UNIVERSAL BROTHERHOOD Shall I that have been given the power of song, sing but to please those that stagnate in a snug content, regardless of the fate of others? Shall I keep my eyes fixed upon the heavens that they may not behold the misery upon the earth? Nay but I will not ; 1 will turn my gaze upon the valleys where there is much darkness ; I will sing the cause of this fearlessly; And as Night retreats before the advance of Day. So shall Oppression retreat before my song; Fire your shots at me, Riddle me with your Bullets of Scorn, Before I leave this earth my song of Universal Brotherhood Shall be sung by a mighty chorus of Lover-Singers. T I I MY SOUL Shout your reproaches in my ears, Say of my soul, "It is ambitious," Well, I acknowledge it; Through many lives I passed before my soul put on a Robe of White, To my entreaties that I am but flesh and blood, my soul turns a deaf ear, I am vassal to my soul, I obey commands which carry me upon holy missions. Oft' must I remove my shoes for I find myself upon conse- crated ground; Once a god's wing brushed past my face — and I swooned — Two guardians with flaming swords flash fire about my soul, Shall I give orders to one that is on speaking terms with gods? True my soul is ambitious, but like Caesar, it is Honorable. Songs of Earth 49 THE HAND OF GOD As far as the eye can see, North, South, East, West, Houses of stone, of wood. Stately mansions of millionaires. The modern home of the Middle-Man, The cottage of the Working-Man with its bed of flowers, mostly geraniums; The tumble-down, rough-cast house of the Laborer, with its back-yard leading to the railroad tracks and its front view facing an alley ; The pale-faced, well-dressed child with her stiff frock, ruffled petticoats, patent-leathered shoes, white socks and thin legs; The dozens of rosy-cheeked and plump children of the Middle and Poorer class, some half-naked playing in the streets and in the gutters ; Ihe dog with its lolling tongue. The tired horse with its sweating body and labored tread. The high-stepping docked horse of milady. The Woman of Fashion reclining langorously in her limousine, The Joy-Riders, The faded faces of the girls that come laughing and giggling from the factories. The begrimed face of the coal-driver. The sycophantic expression of the prosperous grocery-man, The nervous look of the agent. The buxom form of the house-wife. The street cars, hand-organs, wagons, Electric poles, telegraph wires. The hard pavement. The city-bred trees, The lawns smooth as a carpet, The hemmed-in bi ^e, The scorching sun. The thermometer registering ninety. Il 50 Songs of Earth 1 strain to catch a glimpse of sky ; " S^'".\?^ ^'"'^ ^"'^ ^^' ^"°"^^ ^ '^^^ «" ^ stretch of taded blue and a mass of threatening clouds • "^°n;,.?°^;"'^°^"' ^ "^' "^^' '^'°" '" ^h;se cramped quarters ? '^ The clouds begin gathering in ominous silence The wmd taking on a new lease of life rushes wildly through the trees; and then as if in delight at ^he commotion he ov" The';kyr'' ''""^' ''' '"' ™'" """""^ ^'^"^ The sun forgets to smile withdrawing from the scene of the commg battle ; Hark the signal is given and the sky catching the meaning of the command, flashes a torch of fire ; The gods send their cannon-balls spinning through the worlds of space ; The wind moans and shrieks around the house-tops The trees uplift their many arms waving them frantically above their heads; ^ Another tongue of fire—a crash- Wires and poles fall in a tangled mass • The heavens weep and weep through 'the conflict, I'he volley of firing ceases, The sun appears from behind a cloud. The wail of the wind ends in a long-drawn sigh Once more I lift up mv head. Blue, blue, endless str;tches of blue with white veils caught on the points of invisible stars ; Through all, over and under, stretching from heaven to earth Spans the Hand of God. i:i Songs of Earth 51 HE WAS MADE TO LOVE He was made to love; Tall, straight as a sapling Whose roots have found the center of a fertile soil, And whose young branches lifting up their heads Stencilled the sky with figures wierd, fantastic. He was made to love; In his eyes a fire burned, And ever and anon Blue-white sparks leaped from those kindly eyes. Like the sparks which mingle with the wind When the blacksmith strikes a heavy blow Upon the anvil. He was made to love ; I saw the Superman within his glance And smiled upon him happily; From my eyes kindred sparks Of blue-white flame arose — He saw the Superwoman — Two hero-worshippers were we? What odds? He loved me And I loved him. I i-ii s m i I! Ri J (i ! 52 Songs of Earth THE MOTHER ISIS I salute thee, Thou Temple of Mystery With thy Three-Chambered Dome Uplifting its burnished head. To the greeting of the sun. Holy Adoration, Intellect, I.ove, ^he Three in One, ihe One My Self. 1 watch thy worshipping throng Silently entering. Sucking babes, Children of sLx, eight and ten, \Vith fairy-books tucked under their arms. bweets and goodies and dolls- Maidens in all the wonderment of flowering Boys in all the sweating of the ripening, 1 he shyness of sweet sLxteen, The restlessness of twenty Urged on by a masterful impulse. The Bird of Thought With Clipped Wings, Love-Gods, Their tiny fires need but an April Shower And they are extinguished. Dark-faced women With burning eyes, And dry. red lips. Thirst, thirsty, For the Molten Lava of Love, Abandoned Personalities Bemoaning unfaithfulness. The Unveiled one I: Walking uncovered, passions. Freed of JIIUIIIlUi...t' I Songs of Earth LO- I COME FORTH ANOTHER BEING The trees stand entranced, motionless And only an occLTonal rcL^ ont^^^^ My arms embrace, My lips give kisses, But after this outburst From my touch, For I have gazed upon the Head nf =:«„ . tffV^y do I tu?;, ,0 stone? ' ^'^"'" fier«d'';L^u^r.hrhee7""^''' "P°" "" battle field olpl'nt'Mo:™! upoTtt f' ""'ri^" """- ot£XS:iF "-5:^^ttoJy-- - -« Be^lf.nVS.S''^ -"""--^ ■'■^ Enemy 1 hat which vou have xou want not; Shall I point vou out tn Dpt^H' How pale becomes you^ cheek Songs of Earth How faint becomes Life's Beat, I sacrifice you Upon the Altar of Humanity — I am released, unbound, I call, "Death, death, death. Come sup with me. Others may bar their doors. Permitting you to break bread with them When you have forced an entrance ; But I — I have my portals unlocked, I bid you come, I give you welcome," But Death has drawn his mantle over his face, Vanquished, he retreats; And when I gaze upon his face again Lo — I come forth Another Being. 55 RULE OVER THE EMPIRE OF SELF I am sick of projecting empty shells, Of sham battles. Of fighting phantoms, To-day I prepare for war in dead earnest: I send forth a volley of shot, It is my signal, Those that endeavor to prevent the prophets from scattering the seeds of truth, from revealing to Man the purpose o* life, shall throw their mantles over their heads and in terror creep back to their Wilderness. The Black Magicians that seek with sorcery to secure the Treasures of The Universal Storehouse shall hear the echo of my thunderbolt and release their holdings from their greedy grasp. 56 it i Songs of Earth Who shall conquer me? I hurl defiance into the very Jaws of Death • ^ome you grinning monsters with your eyes aflam* Your mouths out-pouring sulphur. ^ ^'"'' Vour shmy bodies, Your goat's feet, Your horned claws. Take .h.s for my answer, you Lying Sod Truth has prepared my soul for a gfeat battle The sun shall stand still, ' It will be An Endless Day Until all slaves are free S I '. fj Songs of Earth 57 THE SONG OF LIBERTY Hark to the big, strong, tones of the Natural Singers ; They have found the music of the Source of Life. They have learned the rhythm of its beat; They never change their attack for the drawing-room or the coal-shaft ; No artificial methods are used, These singers need no veneer, Their solid character appears upon the surface, They are the honest singers ; And if occasionally their voices, husky with emotion Grate upon the hypersensitive ear of the aristocracy. We of the common people catch the swing of their music. Joining in the chorus. Hark to the Painter-Singers ; Their tones are polished and full of glorious harmonies, For these the Storms of Life are but Nature's Mirror Upon which Truth breathes her notes in rainbow hues; Hark to the Poet-Singers; The Golden- Voiced Prophets, Sing with them a Song of All Ages, Of all civilizations, It is arranged in all keys to suit all voices, It is The Song of Liberty. Hark to the singers whose songs are but for a day ; They smg through practise. Through mimicry, Through assimilation with other singers; Take heed my people even to these Little Ones, It IS important that men sing, That their songs are heard. Life needs a muli ade of singers, Let all sing keeping with' i the compass of their own register. 58 Songs of Earth M I I I; LORD I LOVE THEE Out of my body Into my desires, Passed Desire Into Mind, Beyond the Mind Into Spirit; Up, Up, Up, Through the Reflector of Aspiration and Inspiration Ihrough the room above, Now am I on the roof, Through the air Into the Land of Ether, Through the Waters of Illusion Into the Mirror of Light, Through the Reflection of Aspiration and Inspiration Into a Land of Non-Sentient Beings, Into the Domain of the Hierarchies ' Beyond the Hierarchies Into Space; On The Throne Sits One Before Whom my spirit Kneels and sings, "Lord, I love Thee." Songs of Earth 59 A REVERY I catch hold of the clinging skirt of the Robe of Silence and running my hands down its length, I raise the hem rever- ently to my lips. I am an Arabian, Daughter of Nabaioth, who was the son of Ishmael, who was the son of Abraham, who was a Son of God. 1 move across the desert, driving my Father's Sheep into the Land of Green Pastures. I enter my Father's House of Many Mansions and find therein balsam, myrrh, francincense, perfumes and food of sweet savors. When the Curtains of Night are drawn across The Day, I steal from out my tent, Around me are the tents of my kinsmen, I know them by the spears which stand before each opening. I recline full-length upon a rug, The backs of the sheep glisten like a silvery mantle under the drowsy stars. The camels like a circle of sand-dunes outline the purple color- ing of the sky. The fine-bred steeds, ever quivering to use their Wings of Flight, now sleep peacefully, save one, more fiery than the rest challenges the Startled Night, The wind caresses my cheek, whispering Love's Choice Secrets Into my willing ear, I permit the Master Archer to pierce my heart knowing that I shall be mortally wounded. I wonder if the Great Tempter has forced men and women into a partnership in the Game of Life? I wonder if he shuffles the cards for us and that no matter how earnestly we play, he holds the Winning Hand? Let him stack the cards. H\ i 60 Songs of Earth \\ The Great God of Love holds our spirit in His Deck He He'knn' 'T^ ^'^-^ ^^P'^^' "P°" The Shifting Boa^d! Ws-He^'llno^r '' ^^^' ^°'"^ ^^ -'" -^°-' ^^ '^'^^hfrTee'^orUfe''"^' '" '''' ^"'^" °^ P"^^'-' "P- ^"^ ^qiefors^^""^ ^° '"^"' "^^ """'* ^''°^^ ^°"^ °^ G°^' Con- ""^^ M7v^W"ak°"of &:i''''^^ ''^ Sym,U,.,es, The n |P"I*^ sucking at the Breasts of Future, O Soul of Past Decades, Mind of Treason, """ihXrwi.'^hTh: f:Z] "" "' " ^-^'' - -' °- way 1 call upon Our God : "^TdTentu'rer^s/'""'"''"' '"' P^"^^"^ '^' Spirit, of the ^^^ 11^ tu^ ^^^^'7 P^^^«^ the Crushing Forces of Desi.e h„f the Threatening Clouds of Custom^ of VVorn Out IdeaU Tenacious as a leach, hover o'er us. ' Must we indeed be like Medea? Must^we dismember the Faith of our fathers to escape with Long, long ago the Ram was sacrificed. w-.S ^^""cK^J"^ ^^°°^ °f The Lamb? '' '"'nTit'ol^^^^^^^^^^ ^-^- of Hope, draw- THE PINIONS OF MOTHER-LOVE My mother smiled upon me; And straightway from the deepest Hell 1 arose. Borne upon the Pinions of Mother-Love. Songs of Earth FOR THOSE WHO HAVE EYES TO SEE The sand, The pebbles, The many shells emptied of their tenants Strewn along the beach ; The myriads of creeping things Kissed into life by the warmth of the sun, The sand pipers with their tiny steps And rapid movements picking up the wave's offering; The butterflies imbedded in the sand, Their broken wings moving feebly; Here is a fossil, How long did Medusa gaze upon it Before it turned to stone? The tree stumps resembling a race From the antideluvian period. They stand like sentinels Guarding the shore ; The sea-gulls unfurl their sails Dipping now to the right, Now to the left. How I love to watch them Breast the waves : How I love to hear Their strong calls. Each to the other; Far oflF against the horizon A steamer moves, The chimney-stack, pencils the sky With figures weird, fantastic; I hear the music of the waves Or is it the wind Singing a lullaby to them? I behold many faces Peering into the depths. The light of their eyes 61 M hr;':' 9 . l\ ^^ Songs of Earth Parts the waters; Hovy silvery-sweet is the siren's call: 1 ride the air to whisper, "Take care, take care"; The wh'te-caps toss about Eager lo reach the shore. Mighty is their passion. Upon the beach they leap, Their desire spent They return to gather strength For another embrace; Waters of Unrest \yill you never cease to throw Your giant limbs about? 1 catch the echo of an answer Recorded in a shell, "When the last man sleeps I will become his Pillow of Peace." f ! HARK TO THE CHIMING OF BELLS Hark to the chiming of bells. Ringing from world to world' Higher and higher the strains. Finer and finer the tones. Until I hear the melody Played upon the Eardrums of mv soul • rorms of gigantic size Moving across the sky; Massive heads shrouded in veils of clouds. Iheir eyes gazing forever Into the Future; I see them. They see me. Yet they give no sign of recognition. Mm Songs of Earth LORD, HERE AM I Humanity: Humanity: Humanity: You must be freed: Since Egypt's mighty days Mummified you have been; Come stretch your stiffened limbs Lift up your bandaged hands, I Unwrap the Binding Bands of Suppression bome thousand days have you slept With eyeballs rolled up into a head That only saw the Me; I take your heart out of its Vase of Selfishness. I scatter the dead rose-leaves, \our vital organs imprisoned At the four corners of the earth I now set free; Now that you feel the rhythmic music of your heart Why play the Melody of Life Upon a Lyre of Broken Strings? Cast off the old. Fashion for your present need An Instrument tuned to the voice Of your Awakened Spirit ; Too long have you sought To hold the Outer Form, Too long have you breathed The air of tombs; To-Day I link you with that Te'vtrTt Thread""'"'' "" P""""-"^ As a God-Fed Child, Smooth of skin. Sinewy of muscle. Soft of speech, 63 64 r i ^ I I Songs of Earth P Ji^l^-^ '''°'^.u""^^r which are two gleaming stars Reflecting in the Mirrors of Sight • I enibalm this Newly-Awakened Body With the Fluid of Love; Arise, The Angels of The Lord have opened 1 he Gates of Paradise, Follow the Path of Compassion, Wisdom will wind his arms about you Leading you step by step i"nS li^ Z^^-^y ""J^^^ Anointed Ones; And the Voice of God, Fiery-Cool, Will call upon your name ; And you will not hide but answer. Lord, here am I, Naked and Unashamed." m lif ltl' fr AWAKE: AW^AKE: AWAKE: Awake, awake, awake, fis the Bugle Call of Day; Darkness gathering her clinging skirts about her Flies beyond the Portals of the Horizon; W T V"'""'. li^^°"^ °f '■a'nbow hues Into the Lap of Earth ; The flowers lift up their heads, And the wind carries in his puffy cheeks; The fragrance of their breath; Tn J^^i, """^ ^^u 'i'^' '*''^'" their throats In homage to the Page of Day • And he beaming with paternal' pride Caresses all that arise to greet him, For in his Magic Kiss Lies the Seeds of Production. Songs of Earth 65 THE ETERNAL DREAM OF GOD O Humanity: Stretch your huge limbs and awaken. Open your eyes and gaze with a clear vision into the Dawn of a New Day; Come the sun shall not dazzle you with his bolts of light You will give him back look for look; Are you not a god sending your creative-force through Ihe Universe and filling it with productiveness? Creator of children, Builder of Temples in which the soul is plainly visible • Transmuter of Base Metals into Gold ; Entering into the Spirit of the Great Plan Co- Worker in the Uplifting; O to make Man realize his God-Like Attributes To arouse him from the Lethargy of Inherited Earth Ten- dencies, To make him become cognizant of his Immortal Legacy urging him to use his Wealth ; ^ ^' O that Man might realize that he is not made of tae "stuff of dreams which fade with the morning light, or lie shat- tered in the grave, But that he is the Eternal Dream of God. BEYOND ALL THESE The Love of a lover Is a wondrous gift, The love of a friend A priceless jewel. The love of a child, A holy love. But beyond all these Is the love Of My Saintly Mother. I l;l'i 66 Songs of Earth II I i AGAINST THEIR WILL MEN MUST LOOK UP O sighing breeze, breeze-kissed trees, Down and up, From side to side. Swaying and praying, Tossing and crossing, Moaning and groaning, The earth splits in twain As you push your gigantic feet through it. 1 look upon your well-knit body With its homy coat of armour; I see you gently rocking With each gust of Universal Breath ; I watch your thousand arms Beckoning, beckoning, Drawing in, Giving out, Embracing, Interlacing, Nodding in the affirmative. Nodding in the negative. Turning your palms up to the sun To be caressed. And then turning them downward ; Lock your fingers And make a seat for me, Up, up, up, the exhilaration of that upward swing! 1 close my eyes. Whilst you rock me In your mighty arms ; Higher, higher, higher, One, two, three, Onto a cloud I leap : Over I roll, /ii m Songs of Earth Over and over — 1 am breathless: Now have I regained my poise, And seated upon this cloud I sail majestically; How small art the Beings That walk upon the earth : "Halloa: hallao: hallao." See— they are looking up : "What mad creature sits there"? I hear them whisper; "Come up ! come up ! come up I" I cry; But they again whisper, "She is mad! mad! mad!" And I am glad That men call that which flies above their heads "Madness!" For against their will They must look up. 67 COLOSSAL SHADOWS Love you are a tyrant; Wisdom, Age, Youth, The Grim, the Gay, Bow their heads Subservient to your will— O subtle master Luring Man on with promises Of Mighty Things, Big Moments to be reached, attained — Play fair, Tell Man that vou are an Eternal Projector Of Colossal Shadows. 68 !. Songs of Earth 1 1 I ^1 'I PRISON KEY, TORONTO, JAIL. 1914 They fashioned me of chilled steel Into a gigantic key; For sixty years I have turned the lock Upon men and women ; 5"ck; and into the sunlight A shufflmg form no longer wanders; Otw/* they hear my voice grow sullen. Others grow defiant, ' A few pour forth a volley of oaths borne sneer and shrug their shouldirs; At times when I lock the door Upon a shrieking woman rhl^"'°'' ^""^ ^^'■^"fi^^ ">y steeled heart. Totk^lELIJ??^*"^ "^^^ "^^ ^^- Like Methusalah, weary of life I would pray for death Ir the sorrow of my ordained work um not contain a wondrous joy. l?l- ?°"8^*» I click the lock ^ Which shuts them in, I also click the lock ' Which lets them out. LOVE STANDS BEFORE ME Love stands before me: Into his treasure-house I reach for wealth; The more I take The more I have to give, The more I give The more there is to take. Songs of Earth 69 SPACE: SPACE: SPACE: Space, space, space, Boundless Space: Into your arms I leap, Up and down, Across and under. When I am still. When I am in action. Forever and forever Am I in space; Your giant arms seat me On the Brink of the sky. They swing me Into the Lap of Earth ; Now in the water I sport with you; And ever and ever The sirens call, "Come dance, come dance, come dance with me," But I reply, "I am a faithful partner, Those wlio have danced with me Have glided into Realms of Joy, Into bliss eternal," I am strong, My body is lithe, My brain is clear, My eyes see beyond horizons. My touch is full of tender passion, I welcome you Into my arms, But you must be Big, For I like not Small People ; Those who dance with me Must give back kiss for kiss; Come you Daughters of Fire, m - 70 Songs of £arth N You Sons of Light, The Nuptial Couch is prepared. 1 he Bridegroom waits for the Bride. The Bride waits for the Bridegroom! DAY Day big.eyed, tender of mouth, soft of soeech Your "sfenT; '^'''^'- '' ^^' ^^^^^ Scad ofMomin.. AnS f r -r ^'^'^•'V? fi^'^^«^ w'th sky-blue tinTs *^' ^"^"nfoTtrru'nii^e^^^"^"^ ^°^^-- ^^^ P^""'-d golden Day, sparkling-eyed, smiling-lipped. deep-voiced Your liquid throat pours forth the Son|so Love- Maternity lies upon your heaving bosoil ' ^"Vr^S'gX ^"- ^-- ^'e questioning faces of em- Day drowsy-eyed, owy-browed, strone of limb Sleep holds you .ightly in his arms, C'ior"""« '°""' »»«>«••» o»t the lines of Action's Day, released at last. Through the Universe you soar. Kissing the Lids of Darkness And opening them into Worlds of Light. GOD AND MY MOTHER God and my Mother. By sounding These Two Names I know that I am. That God U, That Life is not an illusion. Songs of Earth ROLL ON YOU THUNDER-CLOUDS Roll on you thunder clouds, I love you ; As you march across the sky Cloud sh?'l meet cloud, Men sh' i iie;>. your thunderous greetings Each CO ti <* o+bf ho.v I ijve thj ir. p ty volume of your voices: The Pish ng of y:ur ^ es: T'.-.t - ■ea'- j^ ■■>■ your odies t'ornu iji' v.r>5tiii droj'.^ 1 1' cd v.i.'. tl.e ^ • i£?i': Potion of Growth; Larih Si p -ill* cf her bath refreshed; And JUik \^.\'i^ irto its lungs A New Born Atiaos-. here. 71 EGO Ego: Ego: We two have long been friends. Of late I note you move away As if too much I crowd you; Your cheeks have taken on A puffy contour, And your abdomen — O friend of mine: Protrudes in fashion Most ludicrous and bomb. - tic; Ego, I fear me much That Self-Aggrandizement, A conscious knowledge of your Sweet Virtues Have caused within you That which is called A Swelling; Nay, Nay, Do not remonstrate noble friend. 72 Songs of Earth 1 I ft In sooth I say, ^is what men call Inflatus; And filled It with imagfnaiy forms Of your own greatness ; ^ rZT^.?^ I^in-Pricks noble friend. 1 hought-waves ^"y njild combustion, if «y pierce you, Aheyll condense your size t"1 ^"^l"^ ^'^^ "'^'" be obliged lo hold your nose most high; Self-Conscous Virtues form a Gas An Odious Vapor, In which foul air ' No Living Thing can last. THE "OPEx>r SESAME" INTO HAPPINESS Send down a thunderbolt Great God: ritii, r '" *°"^"^^ "^^ Waters of Wrath Unsheath your swords, O warriors ' Scream, wail, shout, ' Kill out Man's Inhumanity to Man Stop shakuig your fists K?nSf''rr"'T^'' Constitutions, Kmgs, Churches, Capitalism. Root out the Cancer of t.fe Mail's Selfishness; Universal Brotherhood That must be our battle-cry; Stand by the Weak, the Kalian r 's for this that you have strength 'he Open Sesame" Into Eternity. ^wm Songs of Earth 73 heads upon Younger MOON: MOON: MOON: Moon, Moon, Moon, Silver-lipped and golden-tipped Pilot at the Helm of Night, I watch your many shadows dancing upon the housetops, Your searchlight penetrating where leaves are thickest on the trees. Where birds sleep in their nests, Why does your fiery lover tarry? Arise, Sun Arise, And release your waiting bride from her night-long vigil. Ah Blessed Moon, Your sons have grown to Manhood, They have crept away to rest their Bosoms, But yours is the glory for ever and ever. In your womb they grew, Upon your breasts they fed. And although your house stands empty, be not desolate, A mighty race of men still call you, Mother. Beam not coldly upon the earth, sweet Moon Because your sons are housed with her, Earth's Day of Activity will end, her Sabbath come And your sons will again go forth to greet A New Bride. THE MIRACLE OF MIRACLES The miracle of miracles is the Mother-Love : In the teats of the mother-animal flows the same love-milk As that which flows in the breasts of woman; Of all the passions, the Mother-Love is the sweetest, the maddest, the most satisfying; It is inherited from the One Great Passion of God, The Desire which Expressed Itself in Creation. 74 Songs of Earth I if i i t i- llll THE WIND CALLS The wind calls, ph you : oh you : oh you : I catch hold of his streaming locks And sail through the world with him: We chmb to the tree-tops, Then swmgto the gables; We beat a tattoo on the window-pane. We whirl upon the roof, ^ ' We rush into the chimney-stack Down to the heart or the flame ; Ihe coals throw fiery kisses As we bid them a stormy farewell • We cut the clouds in twain, ' We push them against each other. We howl as they weep with rage. Ihen we spring to the world of ether. Over the shining stars Lightly we glide along. Scarce touching the youthful worlds; Age waits for our strength To leap to Eternity; Here is a Manly World, Were a Maidenly one, We propell to each other's arms; And a new world forms In the Womb of Matter. I have seen the birth of stars. Their growth and their decay. They know no more than we. They wait for what we expect; Wind: wind: wind: Drop me gently to earth. Of all worlds 'tis but a speck, t" ♦u*" A'*''!'*^ •*"* a speck To the Infinite Mind. Songs of Earth THE CRUCIFIXION 'Tis true I wooed you; And for that great sin Shall I upbraided be? 'Tis true I spoke The Magic Word of Love Into your Heavy Ear ; I placed within your keeping My possessions; 'Tis true I followed you, I sought you many times When you had strayed from me ; I hid the blushes on my cheek And quenched within my heart Vain misforgivings ; 1 crushed the spirit of revolt That rose in wounded pride At your indifference; 'Tis true I bent my head Before your knee, Suing like slave to master For your favor — Well, what of it? These things I did Because I loved you — Drive in the nails My lover; One for each gift of love, Take up the Spear of Scorn And pierce my heart; Quench my mad thirst for love With taunts and jibes ; Crown me with a Wreath of Shame And with the blood that flows From my pierced brow, Write upon my cross. 75 i 76 ! I V Songs of Earth "A Fallen Woman"; Wash your hands In a Bowl of Sanctity; Strip off the Garb of Self-Reproach, Hang your Repentance Upon the Ruling Laws of Custom— Triumphant and free I ride, I cast aside my Bondage; I leave upon the Cross A semblance of myself, But I — I arise, Vou have not touched Me; I lift my eyes to heaven Confident and happy; For He, That Giveth all things lavishly. That Loveth His Children With an Everlasting Love, He Is Not Understood— Givers are all crucified ; Drive in the nails my lover. THE FINGER TIPS OF NIGHT The Finger-Tips of Night Gently closed the Lids of Day ; The Lake bedecked herself In ribbons of pink and gold. To greet the Setting Sun ; Her bosom rose and fell With its suppressed emotion, As the ardor of his glances Fell upon her upturned face; Behind the tree-tops He found The Lover's Path, Leading to bliss; Close, close he drew. Songs of EUirth And when they met upon the horizon He pressed his warm lips to hers; And she that had before been icy Melted away in that close embrace; For one brief moment Their union was complete. Then his arms relaxed their hold, His sunny form faded from view — Cold became her heart. Paler and paler she grew. She drew her limbs Up under her arms, Veiling herself in her long, wavy tresses And slept; Waiting for the Morrow With its Awakening Kiss. 77 FAREWELL DEAR LOVER Farewell dear lover; We two meet to say, farewell; You threw the Pebble into our Golden Cup — A little while we lingered side by side, such a little Time was stolen Out of the Endless Time of Eternity; A handclasp, a meeting of lips. One close embrace — All, all for what? 1 felt you knew me not. Farewell dear lover, It may be 'ere you stand Before the Threshold of Another World, You will think of me ; And sacrifice The Beast of Selfishness Before the Sacred Flame of Love. 78 Songs of Earth MY NOBLE GENEROUS LOVER Well my noble, generous, lover, Once again you come to seek my favors— Days of anguish, Nights of silent watching, With heart-aches, self-reproach and remorse My boon companions; For you days of merriment, Bouts and mad carousals. Nights of idle jesting. Laughter and wine My fastidious lover. My epicurean sensualist; So easily satisfied with petty things and thoughts, bo hard to please in matters of the flesh— I ou come to me, I am good to look upon ; And what is more, I love you with a love That whips within your selfish heart A flickering beat of love- How prou stare at me : The light within my ty^ Is dim and grey; My lips I wreathe into a smile. But not the Smile of Welcome; The proud sardonic smile Of one that found through death much life; I could laugh outright At your bravado, The Master-Brute that comes to take That which he thinks his own To hold or cast away ; Stand back my noble lover, Too much pain has deadened me To even thrills of joy ; itii; Songs of Earth You shall not kiss my lips, You shall not clasp my hand Nor fold me close within your arms; I see you stripped of all Your showy coverings, And 'though you stand a giant among Small Men Among the gods, ' Those that commune with me, Those that love me much, You stand a gnat, a mote, a dwarf Mishapen and Unkempt, Pitiful in your Smallness. 79 THE MIRACLE OF CREATION For cne brief moment we will forget your drawn face O Misery : ' We will sieze you by your rags, Thrusting you back into Pandora's Casket Let us glorify the Creator of The Universe, Let us sing a song of Joy, of Love, Let us praise the warmth of the sun, which sends the sap dancing merrily through the trunks of trees, into the branches, into the leaves, into the tiny buds, Opening their silent lips into The Glad Song of Flowering Let us praise the beneficent coolness of the moon, Under her benign rays, earth's troubled spirit is quieted Let us point out to Man, the stars, The Pregnant v/oman. The New-Bom Child, The Wonderment of Birth, Growth and Death O let us sing of the Miracle of Creation, Placing before Man, The Eternal Mould, Into which he shall pour the Things of Life • Teaching him to fashion after The Handiwork of The Lord '\ it 80 Songs of Earth LET EACH MAN GIVE OF THAT WHICH HE HAS TO GIVE I am weary; So many are hungry, For warmth, For hope, Peace, Bread, Love. So many are starving for the little and the big things of life ; I weep because my hands are tied, I cannot help them j Before me lies a wealth of food-stuff, Could I but break the bonds which hold me back. Reach into the Treasure-House and give: T raise my fettered hands to my face, Endeavoring to hide the Tell-Tale Tears of Sorrow ; how salty are the drops which fall upon the earth : Once again I gaze upon my hands. They are free: free: free: How blind was I: With the Power of Love, The Tools within my own Work- house, 1 have raised a Pillar of Salt I'hat all may come and whet their appetites ; Grieve not over the heaped up wealth of another lying unused. Let each man give of that which he has to give. AND GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD Before the Beginning was God ; Then came Creation, And God so loved the world That He Caused His Light To descend upon it ; Man beholding this Wondrous Beacon of Love, Called '^he Radiant Light, "MOTHER." Songs of Earth THE LANGUAGE OF THE GODS The wind rubs his face Against my cheek, How it thrills me : I stand in the Midst of Night Waiting for another caress, Again that velvety touch — This time it maddens me; wind, wind, wind. Why are you so gentle? 1 am a rough creature; Blow, blow, blow Loosen my hair from its fastenings Open my robe at the throat. Rip my shoes from my feet, And wrap me in your arms — how wondrous sweet Is this touching of fire to fire : Carry me away. Away to the highest peak of a mountain ; There with arms upraised, My body draped in the swirling of clouds 1 will sing my Song of Love Into the Ear of Thousands, Through the Centre of the Sun, Into the farthest heaven — And now you virtuous people of earth. Leave off your scowling, If you understood The Language of Gods, I should not have to sing My Song of Love Through the Passions of the Flesh. 81 1^1 m ii I*- :i ■- 1 |; ■^t : k^ 82 Songs of Earth STARS Stars, stars and yet more stars, Twinkling, blinking, Glittering, sparkling, Flashing, dashing, Sparks of flame; What will you tell me ? I peer and peer and peer Into your endless maze of gleaming eyes And then I espy the Dipper; I plunge it into the depths of the sky Watching the stars which overflow ; Nearer and nearer one star comes — Ah surely now shall I know what it is made of; The Head of Death smiles from its centre And Death will not speak. I LOVE YOU I love you; In that confession I reveal all that I am. All that I hope to be. I love you : Words hoary with age. Filled with Eternal Youth, The Alpha, the Omega of Life, The Guiding Star of Truth. I love you ; And 'though I delve into My Self I cannot tell you more, The Bird of my spirit sings, '"Tis you that I adore." Song! of Earth 83 I AM A LOVER I am a lover; Take care how you welcome me, I am a lover that will be free ; Endeavor then not to hold me. Take me within your arms, I will abide with you For a little time; Take all that I give yon, I give it freely, willingly. But ask me not to linger; The world id full of men and women That are waiting for my love ; And I am mad with eagerness To pour into them all that I have; To apply the burning torch That the fire may sweep through them, Watch well that which I kindle. For after I ignite the spark, I leave you to perish in the blaze. Or mastering it become A Lighter of Eternal Fires. IF THOU WOULDST KNOW THYSELF If thou wouldst know thy Self, Wouldst sound the depths Of Sorrow, Woe, Dismay, And mount the heights Of Joy, supreme, sublime — If thou wouldst know this earth. Yea, other Worlds and Planes, The Universe complete. Love is the magic wand From which these blessings spring. MiaiocorY nsowTiON tbt chait (ANSI and ISO TEST CHART No. 2) 1.0 ■ 45 ■ 2^ |M ■^H lifi iSi 1^ tii, |3j6 IB |4g U u „ suit 12^ 2.0 m /APPLIED IIVHGE Inc 16S3 East Main SIrMt Rochnltr, N*» York U609 USA (716) 482 -OMO-Phont (718) 2U-5989 - Foi 84 Songs of Earth i M'^ If THE MAIDEN AND HER MANY SUITORS The woman waited, Soon the suitors came for her fair hand First whirled into view the Dance. Wilt wed thyself to me?" "1 am the Rhythm of Time, I join the Wind in all his moods and passions. XSlow swaying gently. Now in a cyclone of fury, Come be my Queen of Motion. p Dreamy One, leap over the Bars of Music Into the Arms of Harmony; The mountains will vibrate As I send my mighty tones to thee. In a Never-Ending Melody. Come thou of plastic mien, I place within thy hands The Masks of Comedy and Tragedy: Play the part of Maid, Courtesan, Wife and Mother, The gamut for the sex called Woman. nature child; 1 have brought for thee A palette wrought of ivory. With colors borrowed from the rainbow; And from the Treasure-House the brush With which the fairies tint their wings. Marble heart. Here is clay. Fashion out of this A race of gods and goddesses; What need hast thou Of Nature's Palpitating Forms? Songs of Earth 85 O thou of raven hair And milk-white throat, Take quill in hand Urge men on to battle for the Right; Each Thought will be a Sword To slay the False. Come thou of liquid speech And Holy Praise; Let us go forth To teach the Word, Losing the life on earth To find the life Eternal. The maiden stood motionless ; "Choose" the suitors cry, "Are we not good to look upon ? See we come with ladened coffers." "O Come Love Come," They hear her sigh, "The World is barren without thee." LOVE IS THE CAUSE OF BEING If thou wouldst question God On Cause of Birth, Why all the travail, Woe and pain? The ceaseless striving after gain ? The joys that vanish with the morning-dew- If thou wouldst question God On Cause of Change, That which is robed In sombre shades of black and gray. That which is called Death, Within thyself a voice will answer thee, "Love is the Cause of All, Love is the Cause of Being." fi I' I' i.i 86 \ \h Songs of Earth LOVE CAME INTO MY GARDEN Love came into my garden; And among my roses Sought to build a nest; Hither and thither he flew. Not knowing where to build his nest Till he espied my open window. Love came to my window-sill And perched thereon, He cocked his little head To right and left. Looking at me so mournfully. "Come little Blue-Bird," said I, "I will counsel thee," "Go find a mate. One ^ >nnot build alone, And it cne could. How lonely the nest would be That housed but one little Blue-Bird." . r lit. I' *i if if MY BABY More beautiful than Raphael's masterpiece Is my baby's head. With its covering of down-like hair. Sweeter than Melissa's honeyed stores Is my baby's hand Wandering over my lips. Rapture beyond the soul's wild dreams When my baby's little gums Bite gently at my breast. Close, close to God am I When I see the blue- veined lids Drooping over my baby's eyes. Songs of Earth KEEP FOR ME YOUR KISSES I never loved before ; I cared not who sipped The honey from his lips. I watch you in the throng, I note each glance that you bestow, I catch the softening of your voice. And in your eyes each changing flash. A silent rage wells up within, I wonder will you press her lips When you steal from the dancing throng, To where the palms like nodding sentinels Fail to keep watch? 87 I never loved before; Now does my heart beat One mad tune, My throat grows tight. My hands clench at the thought of another Reclining against your shoulder. It was not ever thus with me. For he that I called my lord, Bent his head o'er many a fair lady's hand And I — I smilingly looked on, I cared not. But you, love, you, I want you for my very own, — Seek your light within my eyes. Find my lips the sweetest, I'll share your heart, Your love with Mankind, But keep for me your kisses. t i i !■ '' ,i II' 88 Songs of Earth FAIREST OF ALL THE SEX WERE MOTHERS I had a dream, A dream of women ; Fairest of all the sex were mothers. thou of stolid form, Phlegmatic mien, With infant at thy breast; 1 hy Slavonic fires are kindled Lightmg thy dull face With the softened shades of Motherhood. With trailing robe And white-gloved hands My lady steals from the Arms of Revelry Into the nursery; ^ W JJif'r ^ ^-^^ "P°" ^^^ rounded cheek Which lies like a crumpled rose-leaf Against the snowy pillow • Beneath her jewelled bosoms 1 he mother-love is surging • And 'though the world kneel Calling her most fair to look upon, ri^^'ul ^h^ ^'■eam-form of her child iftat beholds her radiantly beautiful. Out into the night A maiden creeps; Beneath her shawl is a bundle Clasped tightly to her breast; Out into the night This maiden steals With her dead child; And as she leaves it In a dark and gloomy corner Of an alley, She prays that she might be sleeping there with it. I Songs of Earth The honeymoon is scarcely over; And against a girlish form is pressed A wee child, With wondering eyes Which will not close — The husband-lover kneels • His trembling arm around them both; Whispering Love's Rapture Song, '•Our baby, little mother." O peasant wife : O woman of fashion: Loved bride And O you unwed one : The Crown of Motherhood adorns you equally; The pear'.y streams well up To kiss the crimson crests Of your awakened bosoms ; Madonnas, Virgin-mothers all of you; For in the giving birth You have become anointed. H9 A FIRE-CHILD OF LOVE Dear Love, I send you a little child. That sprang full-grown From our last embrace; Look upon him. Does he not show good promise? The Spirit of the Creator, The strong frame of his father, The tender soul of his mother; Our blessed Fire-Child of Love. Is 90 Songs of Earth I II- ! .» I'm Ml ALONE AM I Alone am I; Of all the Host of Beings With which this world abounds Is there not one that I can call my own? Where has Love gone? Why has his voice grown mute? Hush: hush: I hear your voices call. In one long, endless babble. "I'll give you Fame, I'll give you gold, I'll make a place for you Beside a wife grown old." Sealed be your lips, Your oflFers turn me cold. Alone am I: God how much alone: DESPAIR Come love, 1 will take hands with you; You airy, merry wise little god : We two shall mock at Laws, Sects, Creeds, Conventions— Hold tight my little god, J he hosts that we have mocked Now join their forces to confront us- What brmg they in their midst? Duty. SongB of Earth 91 Wailing and gnashing of teeth, Wringing of hands, Supplications and entreaties. Stand firm my little God of Love They kneel before me ; My senses reel. My trembling fingers loose their hold,- My little God of Love has taken wing. Beside the form of Duty I lie, Wrapped in a cold, gray robe. My tears where have they fled? Silent, motionless am I. In festive robes my supplicators Once more garb themselves; Duty holds me fast; All, all depart. Save Despair, Who sitting at my head Forever keeps watch. MY BLESSED MOTHER Lives there a soul With a heart so dead That never to itself has said, "This is my own. My Blessed Mother?" I MY MOTHER'S TENDER EYES My mother's tender eyes Contain all that is divine, Love, pity, forgiveness, Courage, faith, mercy And justice. •''■: n r i: 92 Songs of Earth WITHIN ME ALL WORLDS ^yith^n me all worlds; Yet come I an Infant To the Threshold of this world; And I say to my body, "1 am thy master, Obey my commands." My Passions bend their knee before me, I accept of their oifering, Or I reject them, I am Absolute Monarch of my domain ; Yet again come I as an Infant, Conqueror of the World of Flesh To where the beautiful land of another world Stretches before me; The World of Mind; Kingless is this Realm, For no wise king remains To sit upon the Throne He passes on to the Hierarchies ; The Mind- World is like a walled city The towers point their turrets to the sky • Here live not creatures of flesh and blood But Mental Beings, Will-O'-the-Wisps ; One pursues these over mountain heights Across the Borderland of Clouds, ' Before they bend and give obeisance ; When these call you, "Master," They conduct you to The Throne of Reason- He that stays not before this throne content Tmn th^H^^"'''^,^ i^."^^".^ ^'■°"' ^^^ «""' »"oo" and stars. Into the Heavenly Kmgdom, Where sits the King of Kings ; To Him you give your trophies, Vv^eapons wrought of gold, silver Song! of Earth And He will say unto you, "Return and leave in all your Conquered Worlds The Wealth which you have gathered." He that obeys wins a place among the Masters of Love, The Gates of Wisdom open of their own volition; Man cannot storm the heavens, The Gates open before the mighty shouts Of The Lovers of The Lord. 93 COME LET YOU AND ME LOVE Come let you and me love ; What care we to name the chemicals Which cause the flame; We will take hands, Following the little god Down the path well-worn By many feet; Fire bums and fire warms. It has a two-fold quality; I stand in the midst of the blaze Drawing you into the flame ; The spirit cannot be destroyed. What does it matter If to set it free, We make a bon-fire of the wrappings? Sweet are the uses of all things Which have their time, place and purpose; Let us depart from earth Leaving her well-nourished ; In fairyland no earthly sprites shall come to us and say, "You starved me, Come back and give me bread." i ; i; ■ i f i\ i i^l i ... ■■ e 94 Songs of Earth ••I AND MY FATHER ARE ONE" Some say God is Unreal; And when they commence to ponder They are lost amidst a maze of contradictions. Some say that Life is a dream; And when they study its different phases They are lost in a glamour of Illusions. These travel the Path of Bewilderment, For God Is Real, Life is real, There is no Nothing. Heaven and earth are interwoven, He that separates them Loses the Consciousness of Existence. There is no path between God and Man, Save in the Imagination of His Children, The Wise Men have ever said, "I and My Father Are One." WHEN I AM NEAR TO THEE W^rap me in your arms. Your arms are mine And mine are thine. Then wrap me in your arms That I may nave my arms, dear heart. let me feel your lips. Your lips are mine And mine are thine, Then let me f< el your lips That I may have my lips, dear heart. How came this strange confusion? This sweet exchange of arms and lips? 1 do no*- know If I am thee or me, I only know I am When I am near to thee. Songs of Earth 95 TO-NIGHT I AM A MOTHER To-night I am a mother, My face has softened, From my eyes beam a tender light; The corners of my mouth are full of dimples Dipping into each other, Under the pressure of smiles; To-night all that is good must overflow; My breasts are full and firm, I have placed a shield over them, Like pearls the drops of sweet milk Form on the tip of the nipples ; The blood of my heart. The marrow of my bones Mixed by a Master Alchemist Into the Elixir of Life. You are my child, They have placed upon your Infant Shoulders The cares and sorrows of Humanity; All day you wandered over the burning sands, So many throats were parched: Come I will give you to drink Until your mouth lies motionless against my breast. Your heavy eyelids close in sleep, I shall be O so careful Not to disturb your dreams. As I lie by your side ; Silently I shall laugh for happiness As I feel the relaxation of your body : With the dawn you will awaken Well-nourished, well-rested To do the work Your eager spirit seeks and welcomes ; I shall gaze with eyes of love Into the eyes of my son Now grown to Manhood ; And I shall be glad : glad : glad : That on my breasts he grew to a gigantic stature. I 'i ■4' 96 Songs of Earth !.;■ i: I i I r DEAR GOD GIVE ME LOVE They gave her bread, They gave her drink, Clothes to wear, A few pennies to spend As she deemed best ; They gave her shelter, They gave her warmth, Good, pure air, But still they heard her cry, "God: I am starving." They gave her honor. They gave her power. Along with power That which men call riches, Fineries and fiumperies. Necklaces — Yea even a coronet; But still from her lips Came the same wild cry, "God : I am starving." The Prudent shook their heads And one by one withdrew, withdrew; Then she with all the strength That she could muster, Sent forth once more Her agonizing cry, "Dear God, give me love. Or else I die." Songs of Earth I PRAYED FOR LOVE I prayed for Love, Silently so none could hear my prayer; I whispered not even to God Of my mad longing; But He That Knows all thought Before its birth, Answered the unspoken prayer Giving me what my heart demanded. I prayed for love; A wild force welled up within me, It broke my heart; It tore through the Locks of Reason, It flung my Naked Soul Upon its seething waters, Until I prayed aloud to God To take back that which was born of Thought. Slowly Desire died; A deadly calm enfolded me, I lived like one that knows not Whether he is dead or dreaming. Once more I prayed for Love, Love with all its pain. With all its passions. Love, love, love, The Key which unlocks the Gates of Life, The Gates of Death, Of Heaven, of Hell, The Meaning of Existence. 97 I 98 Songs of Earth , „i. fi. if ICH LIEBE DICH "Ich Liebe Dich," Like the rippling song of a wind-kissed stream, Like the mellow notes poured from the golden throat of a nightingale Or silvery bells t nkling across a star-clad sky These three words came, "Ich Liebe Dich." Words: did I call them? Nay, harmonies, melodies, minor chords To be played upon a lyre of heart-strings; Sweet-alluring sounds, Numbing all the senses into a silent ecstasy For lo : 'tis then the soul comes forth To kiss the lips of him, who said, "Ich Liebe Dich." SHMA' ISRAEL "Shma' Israel," There is but One God: In each form I see An Expression of His Wisdom, In each kind act an out-pouring of His Love and Compassion, At the Birth of Day and Night, The Rising and Setting of the sun, The appearance of the moon and stars. The year with its four great moods Each entirely different. Yet each dependent on the other, The Immutable Law governing through all conditions. Civilizations, Centuries, Cycles; "Shma' Israel," We cannot grasp with a Finite Mind His Infinitude, His Glory. mom Songs of Earth 99 THE CHAMPION OF GOD I have taken it upon myself To become The Champion of God; I stand with the Flaming Sword of Truth In my hand ; Line up for battle All that would uproot That which has taken millions of years To prepare for growth ; That which was fertilized by the Blood of The Sons of God, Would you in your madness Nip The Bud Before it brought forth The Golden Fruit? I call upon The Name of The Holy One, You shall not approach The Tree of Life To do it harm. I AM IN ALL THINGS The Lord Said, "Write of all things" And I obeyed; But ever His Holy Name Grew out of my pen, And I said Unto My Self "The Lord has bidden thee To write of all things But thou dost ever write The Name of God": And The Lord heard me, And answered me thus, "Thou canst not write of anything Without The Lord, ;, , ^.. 100 Songs of Earth < ' i! i h THE MOTHER-PEARL Search through the North, And then go South, Through the Ancient East And the Modern West, Count your Pearls of Friendship, String them on the Chain of Life, Conceal your treasure In a receptacle of your heart, The years will come And the years will go, Open your heart once more. And search therein, Gone are some pearls, Some broken are, .me black -^- d some are shrivelled. But rosy-pink Like a new-born babe. Is the pearl that you have named The Mother-Pearl. THE VIRGIN'S LAMP my lover: How shall you and ^ *:alk to each other? Words are so wet And love is so strong; Let us use the language of the heart ; 1 place my lips against one of the little doors whispering, "Let me in, let me in," Presently your heart responds And opens to receive my kisses; 1 pour into it drops of oil From the Virgin's Lamp. # Songs of Earth THE CUP OF CIVILIZATION War! War! War I Now shall we taste hot blood Poured into the Self-deluded Cup of Civilization. War! War! War! For men of able bodies And clear minds Play at a game Where life is made the stakes. War, which breaks the Ten Commandments; War, which leaves the nation a legacy Of maimed men, beggars, widows, orphans; War, the Arch-Disorganizer of the home; War, which sweeps through the land Like a Destroying Angel Slaying all the First-bom; War, which hurls us back To the savagery of barbarism And proves conclusively That Reason is still an Infant Upon whose guidance We place no dependence. In the Cave-age, When man grieved man, They came to blows And he, who obtained The first throat-clutch. Choked ouc the life Of the other. 101 To talk their grievance over. To reason on a give and take basis Was beyond their knowledge; 102 Songs of Earth i 'i 1:. The mind had not evolved To that degree. To-day we split the finest hairs On Birth, Growth and Death. 'Till each of us salaams and murmurs, "My brother, you are right; Friends let us be, Although we move in opposites." All systems of philosophy Give rise to an opposing thought — Is not a question which involves The life of a nation One which has to do with reason's power for decision/ bhall we forget our mental growth And look upon an opposite thought A J an enemy? Shall we give no opportunity for defense, But, like in Stony Ages, Secretly attack And hurl to death? War is the Hound of Woe Whose incessant howling Turns men deaf or mad; Whose open jaws And blood-stained \hs Must forever be filled With bleeding victims. War sits like Cerberus At the Gates of Hell Welcoming the passing throng. Heed not this wily deceiver Who opens wide the portals To the music of the fife and drum; Jjs but to drown out the cries of ravaged women, The wails of infants tugging at dead breasts. Songs of Earth The moaning of the dying left alone at night Upon the Battlefield. The blood-curdling shrieks of disembodied spirits Seeking for their bodies. Not knowing yet that they are dead. Over the Waters of Night Charon comes in his boat; Llpon the prow Grins the Death-head And picking out our strongest men From whom the Soul of Good Judgment Has momentarily departed. Leaving them living yet dead, He steers them to the Scene of War Centered in the Heart of Hell. Here man kills man without reason, Even without Passion's Excuse And Pluto, gathering up their souls, Builds for himself A greater Kingdom of Darkness. Look! look! beyond, beyond; The heaped up bodies of the dead Being burnt To kill the pestilence Of stinking flesh. Look! look! beyond, beyond; The trench into which is thrown A huddled mass With staring eyes, Swollen lips, Shattered arms — Arms that once enfolded us, Lips that yesterday we kissed; Husband, child, lover; Each vein of our beloved one 103 ffll"! '■ 104 Songs of Earth We treasured ; And strove ever to guard With jealous care That body from all harm. War makes of men Clods of earth And uses them To stuff the gaping wounds Which cannons tear in nature. Oh, shall there never be an end of war I Shall we, created in the Image of The Lord, Forget our destiny And tear and tear and tear The precious Fabric of Creation? Shall Lucifer indeed laugh In the Face of God and say, "Thou badest me to instruct the angels To descend within the Form of Man And I disobeyed; Was I not right? See how they rend each other's flesh — The flesh that Thou didst build Out of Thine Infinite Love And with Thine Infinite Care. Wouldst Thou redeem these forms Made murderous by Man, Place them amongst Thy Chosen Ones Who give Thee praise And know not disobedience? Dear Lord, uplift me from my fallen state. They are not worthy that Lucifer, Who was one of Thy Mightiest Servants, Should be so punished." And the Lord said, "Be still; be still; Banished from my Glory Songs of Earth 105 Shalt thou remain, Oh Lucifer, Until War shall cease And all forms return I'hrough Peace and Love Into My Bosom. Be still ; be still ; I gave them birth, I, The God of Gods. I love Man more than all Mine Angels When he shows righteousness; For My Heavenly Children Have not known temptation. I have said, •Not one shall be lost! For they who are Destroyers Shall gather up the Broken Particles Of Many Worlds And set them whole before Me.' " And Lucifer drew his cloak over his face That he might not perish In That Great Light And turning from The Throne of Compassion He cried "Oh, Man! Man! Man! When will you cease to add The Fuel of War to my Fires ; Oh Peace! Peace! Peace! Even I, Lucifer, Am weary of Hell." ALL THAT MAN IS 1 AM I wonder if I have sung my song As it was taught to me? I started in the stars, Forsaking their silvery company To touch hands with the Hand of Man; I have followed him Wherever he could be found. I ' t J 106 Songs of Earth In the World of Reason, In the Realm of Art, In the shop, In the gutter, Across the prairies, Across the seas, I have followed the priests, The true and the false. The Lovers of Earth, The Lovers of God, I have stood upon the Borderland of Fairyland, I have delved into Dead Worlds Among strange Beings, Among the Ancients, I have followed Man Through all his moods, Through all his passions. From the Womb of Woman, Back to the Womb of Earth ; And I say that I have been following myself; For all Man is, I am; All that I am, Man is. Part heaven. Part earth; Therefore I praise my body For all that in it is, I praise my soul For all that in it is, I praise God for both. Songs of Earth 107 THE UNBELIEVERS To-day I have been Among The Unbelievers, As I listened to their lengthy discussions, Their evident pleasure In linking themselves only with the earth, Their seeming gladness That in one hundred years They would be but dust, Nothing more. Only a speck Which might lodge In a man's right eye Obstructing his vision, My lips were silent; The Weight of The Name of The Lord Pressed heavily upon my heart. Closing the Doors of Speech. Lord: 1 could not speak Thy Name, They were so far from Thee, They could not hear me; Within me I felt Thy Great Love arise, Until it formed A Mountain of Compassion; I lay me down At the foot, And wept — Presently I heard Thy Voice Whispering to me, "Weep and shun them not. They are as dear to Me As thou art, To-day thou Knowest Me, To-morrow they too Shall know their God." a?'- 108 Songi of Earth *■' H' ■I.- '. '1 ■i TO MY MOTHER In Polish soil she grew A wild flower; Transplanted to the soil of Canada Her Roots took on A New Lease of Life. Higher, higher she reached Under the Glory Of the Sun of Freedom, Until she became A Wisdom-Flower. Her mouth is lined with tenderness. Her eyes send forth A thousand sparks Of merry twinkles, Igniting her ever-ready Tongue of Wit ; As I behold her daily unselfishness. Her great maternal spirit, Her gentleness, I know that God Is very close To my mother. Song! of Earth 109 JACOB A stony pillow Beneath his head — Flights of angels Came to hold communion With the sleeper Jacob; How tranquil the repose Which opened up The Gates of Self; And caused The Silent Jne To stand near Heaven's Threshold. Hallelujahs split the air. And choruses of angel-voices Filled the earth With hymns sublime, eternal; Jacob slept on ; They came these Shining Ones To gaze upon the Sleeper— Amidst a burst of chimes, Melodic and majestic, They ascended a spiral path Taking with them The Stony Pillow, Upon which the head Of their Beloved Jacob rested. "ii: I - , i I < f jjQ Songs of Earth LORD OF THE UNIVERSE A flower opens up its sweet curved lips And in the golden depths I see The Smile of God ; . ^ t. The wind playfully and with caressing touch Tosses a iScl/of my hair about in abandonment, 1 peer into The Face of The Wmd But he will not Unveil for me, Yet he whispers, "I am The Breath of God ; I g-aze into the sun, , • • ^ He answers my earnest look exclaiming, "I am the Ever-Watchful Eye Sealed In The Forehead of God ; I plunge into a Lake, "Surely God is not here" As the waves dash over me I hear them singing, "We are The Tears of Joy Which Fell from The Eyes of God ; I see a man staggering towards me, His eyes are bleared. His face is swollen. His lips are thick and blue. His body sways from side to side Like a ship that is adrift, "Ah here," I exclaim, "God does not abide." I greet him warmly. He leans against my body for support, And I know by the contact That immersed in this Ocean of Desire Is God. In the gladness of my new-found happiness I sing Songs of Earth "God: God: God: Lord of The Universe, Lord in The Universe, I send Thee Greetings of Love and Peace, Builder, Preserver, Destroyer, Possessor of all and in All." Ill IF I LOVED THEE If I loved thee My mother, father, brother, friends Would all happy be; If I loved thee. If I loved thee Thou too wouldst joyful be, Thy heart more free ; If I loved thee. Why cannot I love thee And bring about this sweet content? I do not know, Save that with thee There is no beat that strikes The rhythmic beat of love within my heart. He that I love Sows discord up and down my path, But in my soul he plants the seeds Of joy, of happiness sublime ; In Spite of Seven Hells Through which I pass, And Stony Barriers hardened by Thousands of years of careful preservation, I love not whom I should, But him whom I should not. He that appeals to me. II fl-- I I' In 1 : 112 Songs of Earth I WILL WANDER AMONG STRANGE PEOPLE I will wander among strange people, My face will be radiant with joy, For I will carry The Love of God Within my heart; And all who pass me by will exclaim, "Thou hast a merry face, Thou art a partaker of great bliss," And I will reply, "Yea, yea, 1 am a partaker of great bliss. The bliss of The Knowledge of The Lord." And they will question me, "Where is thy God For we too would know Ilim, Would taste of The Unspeakable Joy Which makes thine eyes transparent"? And I will again reply, "Look within thy heart. If it pulsates with love Seated therein is God, For He is in the heavens. And upon the earth. There doth He Labor; But in His Children's Heart There doth He Take His Rest." Songs of Earth 113 THE SOLDIERS OF ALL WORLDS Will you join our procession? Steady now, Left right, left right, Keep in time, Fall in line. We want no laggards Or wc ik-kneed men ; For centuries we have been marching; And for centuries we will march Carrying our banner of love. Of comradeship. Into the Empires of the Future; Tramp, tramp, tramp, 'Though we have not many in our ranks. You can hear the echo of our footsteps Rolling through the Universe, Like the Voice of Thunder; We are the Soldiers of Fire and Water, The heavens split at our birth And from our mouths dart tongues of flame; We laugh a: man-made gates and fortresses. Pushing our way through them ; Nothing can stop our progress. We intend to march on Until the last man shall have joined our ranks ; "We are mad," you say? Walk beside me, 1 will whisper the Name of the Maker Of our Invincible Armor ; God: 114 Songs of Earth ? j'l if You do not believe me? Of course not, If you believed you would be marching with us. Not straggling on the outskirts; Farewell dear brother, 'Though you are not one with us, We are one with you; Left right, left right, left right, We are the Soldiers of all Worlds, Forward march. We come from a race of conquerors. THE MOTHER-LOVE I reach out my hands Then let them fall Listlessly to my side; 'Round my heart a pain there is Which nothing seems to comfort. Humanity calls at early dawn And late at eve', I arise to greet the Task They place before me ; And yet the pain remains. It will not cease. Love comes, Lips to lips We sip the wine Pressed from the Ardor of Kisses; But still the pain is mine. And will not ease. Songs of Earth What pain is this? O Mary thou mother of a Christ-Child Thou knowest full well What pain is mine. Upon a bed of straw * Thy babe was born, And with thy mother-love Fulfilled and satisfied, Who could equal thee? 115 Could I give birth To such a one, Nay not like unto Mary's child, For that great glory I am most unworthy. Could I give birth To a little child, I know my heart's pain Would melt away Into an All-Pervading Peace. 1 :i I'' i: ir :M i I f^i i 1 116 Songs of Earth THE GOD OF GODS I am Music; At first I sound the trills. The grace notes, The arpeggios, * These are but as foam Upon the Currents of Sound; The Deeper tones are now vibrating And struggling to reach my finger tips. In a mad moment my trembling hands strike a chord- And deeper and deeper for chords I strive Until the Discords of the Last Hell Find within me a Sounding Fork, Which puts them in tune; Once more I play upon the Finer Strings, the strength in the music of these Upper Tones- Radiant Beings, Full of Harmonies, Floating pure and even. My Children of the Abyss. 1 am Song: For all ages I have a ditty, Come wee one whilst I croon to you Of silvery lands, Where the hearts of roses are fairy-beds, And the blue-bells toll a fairy's prayer. I am The Dance; The roots of my hair. The tips of my toes Songs of Earth Are sending each other messages; Slowly, slowly, I open the Budding Flower; All passions are revealed — I am the Pan God, The piper that you must pay Yet the scape-goat upon whicli Man shall heap all his vices; For lo: I call my nymphs to dance, Holding aloft from their outstretched hands A Crown of Thorns, My Horns of Wisdom. I am Love; Come Lovers, Autumn shall appear in the Woods of Summerland • And seizing Summer shall fold her within his arms;' Far— far in the shadows I shall sing Of a love that never dies Of a rapture which is born of kisses, A fire which lies hidden in eyes. Come you Choosers of God ; For you am I a priestess, For you I chant the vespers Casting aside my body To reveal the Non-Being; I am the Circle of Life, All centres of fire kindle into One Flame; I am not a creature of parts For all parts have merged into One ; I am a creator of all songs. The God of Gods. 117 • ■'■ i ■ f ■ ! I 118 GRAVEN IMAGES Songs of Earth Christianity, Christianity, Christianity: the crimes that have been committed In your name: And in the name of all religions; The blasted hopes, The maimed bodies, The hecatombs of the dead. The Broken Wings of L,ove, The divided families, The crushed desires, Suppressed emotions, The Lusts, The Thieveries, AH these to show God That He is Loved; 1 am not talking of those That have long passed in the Procession Carrying the Graven Images of their Many Gods before them, But of those who have been And who are in our present civilization. Have done with it. Let us level all churches. All places of worship. Let us destroy all rituals. Let each man talk to God In the language of his own heart ; If we must divide ourselves Into French, Spanish, Italian, German, Austrian, Hungarian, English, Russian, American, The Jew; The Protestant, The Catholic, The Methodist, The Presbyterian, The Baptist, The Unitarian, The Suki, The Yogi; Songi o£ Earth Mohammedanism. Confucianism. And Buddhism. We cannot so divide The Holy One; Thmk you that you can pour your pravers Into the Ear of a Protestant God "^ Imploring Him not to hear the Catholic? U let us become loving Brother-Comrades Children of One Father-Mother ' Double-Sexed in body and soul'- Each realizing that he is a Link' In One Divine Chain, Acceptable only to the Lord Unbroken. 119 THOSE W.iOM GOD HATH JOINED Those whom God hath joined Let no man put asunder"; The minister mumbles these words Over the millionaire's daughter Sold to a pauper prince for his title. Over the Adventuress I'vr^u^s: "" "'"'''-^'' '•"""■" Over the boy Forced to many the girl He made a mother; Why, why. why, This desecration? Yl If"! I ff ] ! {. I 120 Songs of Earth "Those whom God hath joined," Aye God and man, Man and man. Spirit and matter, "Let no man put asunder." OF MY PASSIONS I AM UNASHAMED Of my passions I am unashamed, I stand before the multitude Bereft of any covering And I acknowledge all my desires openly; Let the women pass by with averted heads The men wait until darkness to come unto me, Let the Elders commune and decide that I shall be stoned to death; Hark they sing a prayer And as The High Priest hurls The First Stone He raises his countenance to His God, murmuring, "In Thy Name." And a Voice from the Clouds calls out, "Who told thee that thou art without sin?" A fear steals over him. His lips become ashy. His eyeballs roll up into his head. His limbs writhe and twist. His mouth foams; "She has bewitched him, the Sorceress," they cry, The Elders bear him away. Songs o! Earth 121 Their fingers itch to reach me, One woman breaking through the line fastens her nails mto my shoulder, Tearing the skin down to the waist ; The sight of blood drives the crowd into a frenzy, "Faster, faster," they cry. •'I am digging my grave, why curse and threaten? Soon will it be deep enough to hold my weary body. Push me not yet into it, A few more feet to hollow Then I shall go in and lie down; Patience, patience. Ye Avengers of God, Save your spittle, .u ♦» Ye may need it to moisten your death-rattlmg throats And I would not take it from ye." 1 am lying against the mothering breast of earth, "Courage, dear child," she whispers, "Soon will I receive thee into my womb again." Crash: the stones begin to fall, I place my hands over my head. Why? I know not. ft gives the multitude a longer time to play ; 1 listen to the dull thuds against my body, By and by I take my hands away, I am so tired : Finally I open my eyes, 1 see a mother giving her child a stone to hurl, I smile upon the little one. My eyelids close — Presently I commence to dream— , . , ,. • *i,^ 1 watch the people covering something which lies in the ground formless. And I join and help them. Though thev see me not.