Myself

What am I? I am Earth the mother, With all her nebulous memories; And the young Day, and Night her brother, And every god that was and is. As Eve I walked in paradise, Dreaming of nations, braving death For knowledge; nor begrudged the price When the first baby first drew breath. I sang Deborah's triumph song; I struck the foe with Judith's sword; 'Twas I who to the angel said, 'Behold the handmaid of the Lord!' I was fair Helen, she for whom A nation was content to die; And Cleopatra, in whose doom The world went down with Antony. I am the harlot in the street, And the veiled nun all undefiled; In me must queen and beggar meet, Wise age hark to the little child. I am the life that ever is, And the new glory that shall be; The pain that dies, and the brave bliss That mounts to immortality.