But We Have Only Begun to Love the Earth

     This poem, full of hope and love for the earth and humanity, was brought to my attention by my friend Judy.

BEGINNINGS
     by Denise Levertov

But we have only begun to love the earth.  We have only begun to imagine the fullness of life.
How could we tire of hope?  So much is in bud.
How can desire fail?  We have only begun to imagine justice and mercy,
Only begun to envision how it might be to live as siblings with beast and flower, not as oppressors.
Surely our river cannot already be hastening into the sea of nonbeing?
Surely it cannot drag in the silt all that is innocent?
Not yet, not yet–there is too much broken that must be mended,
Too much hurt that we have done to each other that cannot yet be forgiven.
We have only begun to know the power that is in us if we would join our solitudes in the communion of struggle.
So much is unfolding that must complete its gesture, so much is in bud.

 

 

4 Responses to “But We Have Only Begun to Love the Earth”

  1. Todd Says:

    Hi April,
    Thanks for another lovely poem - and an exquisite photo to go with it!
    So much is in bud - and you and Andy are out there in the middle of it!

    Best wishes, Todd

  2. Jude Pardee Says:

    Thanks, April!

    I’m glad to be connected to your Earth Connection!

    Love,
    Jude

  3. Elizabeth Cottrell Says:

    What a powerful theme song on so many levels…personal, political, spiritual… thank you for sharing this in the season of new beginnings — SPRING!

  4. Joan Brundage Says:

    Thanks, April, for sharing this beautiful poem. You gave my day a lift of inspiration!
    Joan

Leave a Reply

Home | About | Blog | Contact | Newsletter

Earth Connection is proudly powered by WordPress
Entries (RSS) and Comments (RSS).