Walter de la Mare

Mrs. Earth

Mrs. Earth makes silver black,

Mrs. Earth makes iron red

But Mrs. Earth can not stain gold,

Nor ruby red.

Mrs. Earth the slenderest bone

Whitens in her bosom cold,

But Mrs. Earth can change my dreams

No more than ruby or gold.

Mrs. Earth and Mr. Sun

Can tan my skin, and tire my toes,

But all that I'm thinking of, ever shall think,

Why, neither knows.