Symeon the New Theologian: How is it I can love You

<<Previous Poem | View All Poems by Symeon the New Theologian | Next Poem >>

How is it I can love You

Symeon the New Theologian, Symeon the New Theologian poetry, Christian, Christian poetry, Eastern Orthodox poetry, [TRADITION SUB2] poetry, poetry

by Symeon the New Theologian
(949 - 1032) Timeline

English version by
Ivan M. Granger

Original Language
Greek

How is it I can love You
     within me,
     yet see You from afar?

How is it I embrace You
     within myself,
     yet see you spread across the heavens?

You know. You alone.
     You, who made this mystery,
     You who shine
like the sun in my breast,
     You who shine
     in my material heart,
          immaterially.

/ Photo by notsogoodphotography /

Themes

Heart

Light

Lover and Beloved

Sexual Union

Sky

Recommended Books

	The Book of Mystical Chapters: Meditations on the Soul's Ascent from the Desert Fathers and Other Early Christian Contemplatives, Translated by John Anthony McGuckin
	Christian Mystics: Their Lives and Legacies throughout the Ages, by Ursula King
	The Enlightened Heart: An Anthology of Sacred Poetry, by Stephen Mitchell
	Hymns of Divine Love: Songs of praise by one of the great mystics of all church history, by Symeon the New Theologian / Channeled by Gearoge A. Maloney, S.J.
	In the Light of Christ: St. Symeon the New Theologian -- Life, Spirituality, Doctrine, by Basil Krivocheine

More >>

<<Previous Poem | More Poems by Symeon the New Theologian | Next Poem >>

A riddle for us today. How can God dwell in such a small house as the human body and awareness, yet permeate the vastness of creation?

Symeon is not asking these questions as an intellectual game, however. This is not a dry theological exercise. His questions arise from the genuine surprise at this paradox as it reveals itself through direct perception: The Divine is both intimate and all-encompassing, within yet everywhere. The intellect can't comprehend how this can be, yet the mystic is confronted with it undeniably. With total disregard for the mind's inability to grasp this truth, a giddy radiance pours out from your breast while, at the same time, it fills the universe.

Poetry Chaikhana Sacred Poetry from Around the World

Poetry Chaikhana
Sacred Poetry from Around the World