You are
like a blazing fire,
warm and dangerous
passionate and beautiful.
In the light of your flames
the night begins to dance.
You are
like the stormy sea
and like a glittering creek
after heavy rains.
Despair and enigma
dwell in your depths,
but on your foaming waves
dances sunlight
and hope is growing
at the shore of your tears.
Like the earth,
your mother
you are, beloved comfortress.
Understanding and strong
an elementary power to the soul.
I feel at home
under your foreign skies.
Sometimes
I don’t have the courage
to cross your way.
But without you, my sister
I don’t want to be anymore.
(2014, translation of the author)
The illustration is a Slow Words picture taken during a visit at Chelsea Physic Gardens (London) where this poem has been read again and finally selected for your readings.