Beside a Bright and Glassy Heaven-Sea
Beside a bright and glassy heaven-sea
One lights the lamps of truth, the One Alone,
the High Priest of all high eternity
who lifts all prayers up before the throne.
Remember now the Bridegroom, who still waits,
the Virgin standing near with Spirit's breath,
and walk with confidence through heaven's gates,
with roses prayed against the bonds of death.
Now rising to the milky river's washing-shore
the starry sheep from woolly folds all run.
The heavens open wide like swinging door,
and we like owls blink quickly in the sun.
Thus cast aside the flashy lights of care;
take heart in heaven, young but ancient-old,
which casts a light unseen and scents the air
like beads of incense burning bright and bold.
Through hands then, by some channel, deep within
the prayers roll upon the blessed string
and one by one march out to conquer sin
in subtle ways that none can know or say,
so that a sabbath-rest wells up inside
on St. Agnes' day, the lamblike day
when Bridegroom bows to greet his glowing Bride.
A Poem of St. Agnes
The little lambs on heaven's field
remind me of a girl who fought
against the darkness, for the fair,
whose heart was free from trembling fear,
who would not falter, did not fail,
but held her ground against the foe.
"I faithful stay to Spouse and Friend,
my Jesus; I am truly free
with him," she said, her voice not faint.
And then she bent her head, with faith
exposed her neck. The death-stroke fell.
