Saint John of the Cross The Light of God (poetry (III)

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The essence of the spiritual path is the Light of God,
blazing and shining across the heavens

Its flame begins within the heart of man,

after much suffering and pain

When the joys of spirit move man from within

And his heart is cleansed by love of the divine

Then does this flame begin to grow,

shining out across the world

Pure love, divine ecstasy, which blazes the spirit into life

Causing the soul to be a pure channel for God's holy radiance

Turning the self into a shining cobweb, sparkling with dew

O blazing light, whose rainbows lighten up the darkness with God
O holy light, who in mercy doth descend to the heart of man

Come down! Come down! The struggles and cries of mankind plead for you

That you may bring the brilliance, which destroys all pain

Come into the darkness which is my center

Cause it to blaze with beauty

Shine through my heart-caves with never-ending glory

That the way may be lit for the coming of the King

O beloved sun! Source of all that I hold dear!

I am empty - fill me! I am hungry - feed me!

I am alone - fill me with the love that has no end!

I beg you, I plead with you, my tears are without number

Show me not your shimmering veils, but your blazing heart!

I cry in the darkness for your love, the Light Divine

I glory in bliss at your holy entrance

May my tears fall without ceasing, if they be but roads for your light

May I scream and tremble, if it brings you one inch closer to me!

O light of God, love of Love

Shine from my heart into the darkness of infinite night

And let my soul be filled with the beauty of your love

I dance for you in caverns of the heart

The ancient gypsy dances of romance and desire

My soul cries in wonder for your love

The trees ring with your praises as I worship in the moonlight

I feel the winds of love pass over my heart

I grow as the sunlight fills the sky with brilliance

I am filled with beauty, hearkening to the presence of God

O light divine, fill the world with your glory

Shine through the darkness; destroy pain and strife

Fill mankind with the knowledge of your wondrous story

That he may have passion for God in his heart

RUMI