The opening line lands like a sigh: so much of heaven has drained from earth that a heaven must exist, if only to enclose the saints who gave sworn testimony. Right away, the speaker is caught between loss and a kind of stubborn faith. Then she turns to two homespun riddles. A missionary to a mole trying to prove the sky — of course the mole can’t see it, but the missionary would at least have a location to point to. The speaker, though, has no such excuse for her doubt. And a turtle won’t try unless you leave it alone; when you return, it has hauled away. Too much proof affronts belief. The mood is wry, solitary, and tender: a mind worrying over the silence heaven leaves behind, and finding that the only real evidence is the distance itself.
So much of Heaven has gone from Earth — Summary
So much of Heaven has gone from Earth That there must be a Heaven If only to enclose the Saints To Affidavit given.
The Missionary to the Mole Must prove there is a Sky Location doubtless he would plead But what excuse have I?
Too much of Proof affronts Belief The Turtle will not try Unless you leave him -- then return And he has hauled away.