Oh Earth, you gave me all I have, I love you, I love you, - oh what have I That I can give you in return - Except my body after I die?
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker expresses deep gratitude to the Earth for giving life but feels inadequate about what they can offer in return, only willing to give their physical body after death.
- In plain terms
- I love the Earth for giving me life, but I can only give my body back when I die.
- What can you take from it?
- True reciprocity with nature may only be possible through our physical return to it.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What can we give to the planet that matters?
- Is physical return enough?
Another view
The quote assumes the Earth expects a return, which may be anthropomorphizing nature.
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