Land,
dust,
mould of fire,
refuge from the oceans,
mineral's matrix,
storehouse of grain,
rain-tank for the rain-water
nourisher of plants and words.

Land,
a road worn by time,
the stuff of dwellings,
measure of blood,
a stage for the flesh and for desires.

Land,
saliva,
the weave of fruits and scents,
fieldscape of hunger and death,
I crush you between my fingers,
I place you between my lips,
I mould you with touch,
I clothe you with dreams.

Translated by Robert Archer