It is as though
    Sophie-Mathilde TAUSS' hands
        emerge directly from the clay,
which itself sculpts each figure
    with tender, voluptuous intensity.
The earth (marble and stone as well)
    acknowledges its origins,
and fashions its children,
kneading itself, renting itself,
    multiplying its caresses.
Circumventing its own resistance,
    subtly observing the stirring momentum within.
Twisting round
    with unyielding smooth dexterity,
it eludes itself,
    it blossoms forth,
        it withdraws into its mystery.
Then stepping suddenly outside, it contemplates itself,
discerning nothing of the splendor it enticed from its entrails.
After myriad impassioned battles,
        embraces and births,
    hands at last are joined in heightened sweetness of prayer,
        the hour of meditation has drawn nigh.
            The earth
                is now
                    exalted.
                                    Jean Mambrino