A Poem from the Night

Occasionally I like to add a favorite poem as the day's blog post.  I have chosen Joseph Mary Plunkett's (1817-1916) "I saw the sun at midnight rising red."  Actually, I know Plunkett better for his "Hound of Heaven," which bears a special significance to me. However, today's selection spoke to me in that it is obviously the product of a night spent in prayer. I suppose I feel a certain kinship to those who stay up late. From time to time I'll include some of my own poetry, but for today I offer this deep meditation on the love of God.

I SAW the Sun at midnight, rising red,
Deep-hued yet glowing, heavy with the stain
Of blood-compassion, and I saw It gain
Swiftly in size and growing till It spread
Over the stars; the heavens bowed their head
As from Its heart slow dripped a crimson rain,
Then a great tremor shook It, as of pain—
The night fell, moaning, as It hung there dead.
O Sun, O Christ, O bleeding Heart of flame!
Thou giv’st Thine agony as our life’s worth,
And mak’st it infinite, lest we have dearth
Of rights wherewith to call upon thy Name;
Thou pawnest Heaven as a pledge for Earth,
And for our glory sufferest all shame.

Comments

[C]

I love it!