As soon as your mind has experienced

Poems by St. Symeon the New Theologian


As soon as your mind has experienced


As soon as your mind has experienced
what the scripture says:
"How gracious is the Lord,"
it will be so touched with that delight
that it will no longer want to leave the place of the heart.
It will echo the words of the apostle Peter:
"How good it is to be here."



How are You at once the source of fire,


How are You at once the source of fire,
how also the fountain of dew?
How at once burning and sweetness,
how a remedy for all corruption?

How do You make gods of us men,
how do You make darkness light?
How do You make one reascend from Hell,
how do You make us mortals imperishable?

How do You draw darkness to light,
how do You triumph over night?
How do You illumine the heart?
how do You transform me entirely?

How do You become one with men,
how do You make them sons of God?

English version by
George A. Maloney, S.J.



The fire rises in me,

The fire rises in me,
and lights up my heart.
Like the sun!
Like the golden disk!
Opening, expanding, radiant‹
Yes!
‹a flame!

I say again:
I don't know
what to say!

I'd fall silent
‹If only I could‹
but this marvel
makes my heart leap,
it leaves me open mouthed
like a fool,

urging me
to summon words
from my silence.

English version by
Ivan M. Granger