A Moment for Poetry

"The Earth in Spring" by Judah Halevi (1075-1141)

Then, day by day, her broidered gown

She changes for fresh wonder;

A rich profusion of gay robes

She scatters all around her.

From day to day her flowers' tints

Change quick, like eyes that brighten,

Now white, like pearl, now ruby-red,

Now emerald-green they'll lighten.

Now she turns all pale; from time to time

Red blushes quickly cover her;

She's like a fair, fond bride who pours

Warm kisses on her lover.

The beauty of her bursting spring

So far exceeds my telling,

I think sometimes she pales the stars

That have in heaven their dwelling.

(translated by Nina Davis)