~ * ~

Take me to Ephraim Master,
let me stay with you there.
Where the distant shores of silence fall
on the wings of birds,
as the greenness,
as the full wave falls
undisturbed by the touch of the oar
as wide rings spread on the water
not startled by fear.

I thank you for giving the soul a place
far removed from the din and clamor
where your friend is a strange poverty
you, Immeasurable, take but a little cell,
your love places uninhabited and empty.

You are the Calm,
the great Silence
free me then from the voice
In the tremor of Your being let me shiver
with the wind,
borne on the ripe ears of corn.

~ pope john paul ii ~