All that I have written seems like straw compared to what has now been revealed to me. [i] Reply to Reginald of Piperno, when being asked to resume writing Summa Theologiae (then left unfinished), after a mystical experience while saying Mass on or about 6 December 1273. Thomas Aquinas (died 1274) [i] “Thomas Aquinas”. en.wikiquote.org. {https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Thomas_Aquinas} (accessed December 1, 2021). I rarely have a Never and hardly an Always and I’ll not reach Forever till the end of my days When set to start this I mostly stop that Alphas and Omegas all fall flat Lost decision, scant precision crossed collision, some derision, in flux – redux, nonesuch, or too much But still I know a star above a sea below a bird in flight in Heart’s dark night is Endless Love (1990s) Dear God, I would like some kind of help. It’s not the weeks or months, I think, but the years, and the request unanswered. You know I melt, fiery, outraged. And I know calmer moments. But for now, God, help. (1960s) O Sacred Heart of Jesus ocean of mercy and love I place my hands into your hands my mind into your mind my heart into your heart for without you I can do nothing and I am nothing without you (2010s ?) We arrive, worn and tattered, scattered, and You say: Be still, focus, quiet down and hear. Though the inner world is tumbling, twirling round inside we watch the age-old gesture, Son of Man lifted high Be still and stillness comes. Let the senses share Confide in Providence Abandon fear (1980s) Are you Born Again? the man in the street cried, “Are you Born Again?” I found that I was tongue-tied. He means, in his question of my life, has there been a sea change with furthest tide, of drawing out and filling in. And I say Yes, but ask how many years do we re-live this Born, how many times repeat, before Again appears? Midst world-confusion, mind-restlessness, body-tiredness, sleep-forgetfullness, and dream-yearnings, Through duties, needs, attentions, pains and loves and carings, lasting through all these, have you seen or been A breath of incense, a ray of sunlight, a broken bread of healing… Is the challenge met? How long has God’s hand carried you? Did you ever find the Rock? Have you drunk your cup, and, as for your Lot – what became of it? Where have your cells gone, where has your mind gone, where have your Loves gone? Has birth or death been going on? Like a pamphlet on a seat, small sign to beckon wandering feet, a question from Anonymous, “Are you Born Again?” All the answer I can say is Yes, once I found The Way, but God’s love has no end and we are born again, amazingly, each day. (1990s) Oh setting sun held high above each one’s horizon and place of return. Oh rising Son lifting us to heavenly sky toward you we yearn Omega of all our beginnings and Alpha of all our ends Son of our Father and lover of friends Our deeds and our past we place on your altar at last and lay our Selves at your feet where East-West meet. (1990s) What are angel’s wings like? Like Mama’s handkerchiefs – scented. And their feet? Like flying sparks. And their hands? Like Daddy’s. And their hair? Like rusty-colored grass. Their faces? I’ve never seen their faces. What are their hearts like? Like my arms around you. Now, good night. (1960s) |
Poems by Janet
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von Gumppenberg |
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