This is a poem I wrote, the first two lines of which came to me sometime last year when walking through a wooded park. The rest I wrote and tweaked on a few other occasions over the past year. The walk in the woods that inspired it is still fresh in my mind.

What beauty the heart wide with wonder beholds!
What Lover such splendor so generously betroths?
I seek this One for my soul's seed of desire,
Is to be lit with The Creator's unquenchable fire!

The taste of such glory only hints can be known
Like the lover one seeks in glimpses is shown
To draw heart from idols of terror and disgrace
With eyes fixed everlasting on The Holy One’s Face

Of joy and wonder the heart is bereft
For those from the Throne of Love have left
Wandering in pointless pursuit to fulfill
The deepest of passions the Lover’s true will

For each soul without anchor earnestly seeks
That found not in deep valleys or on highest peaks
Is given to all freely who home do return
Receiving the gift that none ever earn

Such prodigals through soulful poverty know
Their deeds of indulgence as weeds do grow
Awaken to hope in soul’s darkest night
With first step homeward defeating pride’s might

Heaven’s rejoicing to which nothing compares
All for the lost lamb, for whom Shepherd cares
Exceeds the capacity of heart to contain
When relieved of the thorn and sin’s permanent stain

Rapturous glory spills over the edge
Of heart ransomed, steadfast and faithfully pledged
In chaste devotion for blessing and bliss
To cherish the One and eternal Love’s kiss

© Stephen Carl