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Before there is any Light that I can see

while it is still night with me,

already you are my heart’s Yes

responding to your Presence,

 

more felt and yet the inner eye

sees ruddiness on a charcoal-cheeked sky,

 

a blush on the ebony face of Love toward me; it’s true

the darkness is not dark to youPsalm 139, vs. 9-12 (NRSVUE)—

not the Earth’s, nor man’s,

nor mine—

even there your hand shall lead me,

in your right hand, i am Thine;

 

in an instant my house all stilled,The Dark Night: Stanzas of the Soul by John of the Cross
One dark night,
fired with love’s urgent longings
— ah, the sheer grace! —
I went out unseen,
my house being now all stilled.
In darkness, and secure,
by the secret ladder, disguised,
— ah, the sheer grace! —
in darkness and concealment,
my house being now all stilled.

Thy Breath a whisper at my heart’s ear:

“Do not be afraid, I Am right here.”