Dark Night of the Soul

Dark Night of blessings from within!
My mind now still and light,
On fire with yearning love, my soul
Emerged into the Night.

Hidden safely in the dark,
Peace came over my affairs,
Mask-ed safely by the dark
I climbed the secret stairs.
In secret I rose, on that Joyous Night.
Seen by no human, I climbed without light
I saw not a thing; there was no one to guide me,
Except for the flame that kept burning inside me.
More surely than the light of noon
This burning flame led me
To where He was awaiting,
(I knew well Who was waiting),
In this place no one has seen.
Oh Joyous Night that guided me,
More lovely than the dawn,
Dark Night that soon united me,
Lov’d and Beloved into one,
Upon my flowery breast,
Reserved solely for Him,
My sleeping Lover I caressed.
His breath became the wind.
From high above his warm breath fanned
As I caressed His hair.
He touched my throat with gentle hand,
My sense no longer there.
Suspended and lost in oblivion’s breath,
My cheek on my Lover’s face,
Forgetting my life, I abandon myself
To the lily-like scent of His grace.

Poet: St. John of the Cross. Original translation by Alison Peers.

This re-translation by KennyDN www.kennydn.com