CANDLEMAS

CANDLEMAS[1]

Brief, blissful memory : the winter world,

the pangful journey through Judean cold,

and far-off Bethlehem, a radiant blur

of Orient gold, and frankincense, and myrrh,

now is the dream come true : In exquisite rest,

His cheek a loving flame against her breast,

nestles the Babe, as Mary’s love-winged feet

draw to Jerusalem.  O gracious, sweet!

Hastening with infinite burden through the snow,

gladden the path my hesitant feet shall go

under the windswept heaven and mutable skies;

light to my way the taper of your eyes

while in joy-tremulous accents you whisper me

                                                                     Bittersweet word of Simeon’s prophecy,

Swift through the dusk, and prescient gloom shall start,

Tremble to flame the candle of my  heart.

                                                                  

                                                        Sister M Thérèse SDS

                                   Now there is Beauty.  MacMillan.  1940

                 Used with permission

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[1] The Feast of the Purification of Mary (and Christ’s Presentation in the Temple).