On The Inexpressible Gift of the Holy Spirit - Catharine Regina vim Greiffenberg

You unseen lightning, flash of light in darkness,

 heart-filling strength, an Essence inconceivable.

 Something divine dwells in my spirit,

 stirring and moving me: I feel a rare light.

 The soul, of its own self, is not such a worthy light.

 It was a Wonder-wind, a Spirit, a Creator,

 Eternal Strength-giving Breath, the Utmost Being

 that kindled in me Heaven's flaming light.

 You glance of flashing colors, you radiant splendour!

 You shimmer to and fro, mysteriously clear—

 the Spirit's dove-flights gleaming in the Sun's pure truth.

 The God-stirred pool, though cloudy, is yet clear!

 The Spirit-Sun first shines upon the moon

 which turns and sheds clear light upon the earth.

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Catharine Regina vim Greiffenberg (1633 - 1694)

Translated by Sarah Klassen, Sally Ito and Joanne Epp

Source: Catharina Regina von Greiffenberg: Sonnets and Songs