Poetry Chaikhana Sacred Poetry from Around the World

Christian : Catholic 13th Century	About Clare of Assisi Timeline (1193? - 1254)
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English version by Regis J. Armstrong, OFM CAP & Ignatius C. Brady, OFM Original Language Italian	When You have loved, You shall be chaste
Commentary by Ivan M. Granger Themes   Crown   Heart   Sexual Union   Spring Blossom     Recommended Books All Saints: Daily Reflections on Saints, Prophets, and Witnesses for Our Time, by Robert Ellsberg Francis and Clare: The Complete Works: The Classics of Western Spirituality, Translated by Regis J. Armstrong, OFM CAP / Translated by Ignatius C. Brady, OFM Sacred Voices: Essential Women's Voices Through the Ages, Edited by Mary Ford-Grabowsky	When You have loved, You shall be chaste; when You have touched, You shall become pure; when You have accepted, You shall be a virgin. Whose power is stronger, Whose generosity is more abundant, Whose appearance more beautiful, Whose love more tender, Whose courtesy more gracious. In Whose embrace You are already caught up; Who has adorned Your breast with precious stones      and has placed priceless pearls in Your ears      and has surrounded You with sparkling gems      as though blossoms of springtime      and placed on Your head a golden crown      as a sign of Your holiness.     -- from Francis and Clare: The Complete Works: The Classics of Western Spirituality, Translated by Regis J. Armstrong, OFM CAP / Translated by Ignatius C. Brady, OFM Amazon.com
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Commentary by Ivan M. Granger

This poem may sound a little formally "religious" for some tastes, but if you really read it, you'll see it's deep beauty. Even with its references to virginity and chastity, it is speaking on several levels of meaning. The poem has a sort of monastic, spiritualized eroticism to it that is surprisingly common to sacred poetry.

This is a poem by a lover of the Divine addressed to those who yearn to know a similar embrace or union.

Ivan M. Granger's original poetry, stories and commentaries are Copyright © 2002 - 2007 by Ivan M. Granger.
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