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Saturday, November 9, 2019

"And God said to the soul...."

Here is a poem by one of my favorite mystics; I found the poem when trying to find the words of one of Mechthild of Magdeburg's songs. I have it copied in one of my journals but thought I could find it quicker through Google. Instead, I have the poem to share with you today:



And God said to the soul:
I desired you before the world began.
I desire you now
As you desire me.
And where the desires of two come together
There love is perfected

How the soul speaks to the soul
Lord, you are my lover,
My longing,
My flowing stream,
My sun,
And I am your reflection.

How God answers the soul
It is my nature that makes me love you often,
For I am love itself.
It is my longing that makes me love you intensely,
For I yearn to be loved from the heart.
It is my eternity that makes me love you long,
For I have no end.

Mechthild of Magdeburg (c.1207- c.1282/94) Germany
Translated by Andrew Harvey
We are having the funeral of Mamie Jenkins today and this poem makes me think of her.

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