Mother, why is Earth so silent?
Silent day and night,
Not to sun or stars complaining
Of her grievous plight.

Not complaining, calmly making
Her eternal round...
Grim when drinking blood, breath-taking
When gay flowers abound.

Dust to dust... The ever silent
Dead with shrouded eyes
Shall in woodland berries ripen,
In fair dust-clouds rise.

My dear child, I cannot tell you
Why Earth makes no sound.
This I know: life shall continue
As long as Earth goes round.