earth

our mother begs us
to take care of her
to love her for her gifts
of flowers
of rain

our mother begs us
to respect her
for her longtime marriage
to sun and moon
and stars

our mother begs us
to care for her children
every creature living
on her spinning breast
traversing heaven

our mother begs us
to be at peace
to receive her gifts
with love and adoration
and affection

our sweet mother begs us
to explore our hearts
to open our eyes and see
and she will smile
forever

or . . .