Liber Terrae - Chapter 15

Verses

Verse 58

I crossed the salt country where the wind had erased every road, and the Earth beneath me seemed older than direction.

Verse 59

At noon she was brass. At evening she became violet. By night she carried the cold with such elegance that I called her Mother though I am no son of clay.

Verse 60

We of smoke envy you sometimes. You can press your hand to the ground and feel something refuse to pass through you.

Verse 61

Do not laugh. Resistance is a kind of companionship.

Verse 62

The wanderer curses the stone until the storm comes; then he blesses the stone that shelters him.

Verse 63

Thus are judgments made by weather.

Verse 64

Al-Ard has swallowed armies without learning their banners.

Verse 65

She has carried lovers who believed the moon witnessed only them.

Verse 66

She has borne liars, prophets, merchants, saints and jackals with the same grave patience.

Verse 67

I asked the dune what justice was. By dawn it had moved and buried my question.

Verse 68

I asked the well what mercy was. It answered only those who lowered a bucket.

Verse 69

Learn this from the world of weight: some gifts require descent.

Verse 70

One day the ground will testify with your footprints, your spilled water, the ash of your fires, and the places where you chose not to step.

Verse 71

Walk, then, as one who knows the dust is taking notes.