Gaia

Hymn to Gaia
(Homer 700-500 BCE)

Gaia.
Mother of all,
foundation of all,
the oldest one.

I shall sing to Earth.

She feeds everything
that is in the world.

Whoever you are,
whether you live upon Her sacred ground,
or whether you live along the paths of the sea,
you that fly.

It is She
who nourishes you
from Her treasure-store.

Queen of Earth
through you.

Beautiful children,
beautiful harvests,
come.

The giving of life
and the taking of life.

Both are yours.

Happy is the man you honour,
the one who has this
has everything.

His fields thicken with ripe corn.
His cattle grow heavy in the pastures.
His house brims over with good things.

These are the men who are masters of their city.
The laws are just, the women are fair
happiness and fortune richly follow them.

Their sons delight
in the ecstasy of youth.

Their daughters play,
they dance among the flowers,
skipping in and out.

They dance on the grass
over soft flowers.

Holy Goddess, you
honoured them
ever-flowing spirit.

Farewell
Mother, of the Gods
bride of Heaven
sparkling with stars.

For my song, life
allow me
loved of the heart.

Now,
and in my other songs,
I shall remember you.