If we don’t defend the earth
At least let’s take care of the moon,
A light and pale territory inhabited by dreams and ghosts.
If we do not defend the earth, at least we should protect Mars,
Source of purple, of fire
And of the ritual blood.
If we don’t defend the earth
Let us at least shelter Venus,
To continue kissing our beloved in the light of the evening star.
If we don’t defend the earth
Let us tenderly preserve the Big Dipper,
For it has lost instinct with the years
And hangs weakly in the sky.
If we don’t protect the earth
Let us preserve the ether in space,
Without war games or ships
That pollutes the smoothness of infinity.
May 31, 1990.
ARTURO GONZALEZ COSIO (1930-2016)Celebrating his memory on 2022’s earth’s day
Original version in Spanish:
“SI NO DEFENDEMOS…”
Si no defendemos a la tierra
Por lo menos cuidemos a la luna,
Territorio leve y pálido habitado por sueños y fantasmas.
Si no defendemos a la tierra al menos amparemos a Marte,
Fuente de la púrpura, del fuego
Y de la sangre ritual.
Si no defendemos a la tierra
Siquiera resguardemos a Venus,
Para seguir besando a nuestra amada a la luz de la estrella de la tarde.
Si no defendemos a la tierra
Preservemos con ternura a la Osa Mayor,
Pues ha perdido instinto con los años
Y cuelga débil del firmamento.
Si no protegemos a la tierra
Conservemos el éter en el espacio,
sin juegos de guerra ni naves
que contaminen la tersura del infinito.
ARTURO GONZALEZ COSIO Mayo 31, 1990.