More Poems by The Deacon

  More Poems by The Deacon  and my translation of a poem by St. Theophan the Recluse  

find them all narrated here: (YouTube link)                                                           

                                                                            

                                                           Descend

by Theophan the Recluse

(My translation of the Russian)

Descend from your mind into your heart, For now, your thoughts of God are worlds apart. God Himself seems to linger outside, Leaving your prayers and practices denied. While you remain in your mind's domain, Thoughts will whirl like snowflakes in winter's reign, Or swarms of mosquitoes in summer's heat, Until your heart and mind finally meet.

 

The Fallen Ones

By Jacobs stair they did come,

Passing by old Inanna’s heel.

Seizing Enlil’s broken cape,

Looking upon sacred space.

 

In eyes of green they did see,

A destiny of silted beings.

For in them you did confide,

The only place you now hide.

 

Shouting vows of contention,

A prince they did crown.

By shadows they now retreat,

Into chains forever defiant.

 

Meeting Eve

Down in the garden's grace, My heart began to race. Your eyes like lilies beckoning, Your scent of roses echoing.

Draped in Queen Anne’s lace, A tulip’s vow you did trace. Upon your hand, a silver vine, From your lips, the balm of lupine.

We embraced like daisies' chorus, The asters danced before us. The lilacs lay whispering, of love like Hostas glistening.

Garden Wedding

In the shadow of thy tower,

A garden wedding begins.

The great oak bears witness,

As tortoise and squirrel play.

 

The bells now are ringing,

Rose petals tossed by wind.

Day gives way to night,

As true love never ends.