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“The Eternal Canticle” by Saint Thérèse of Lisieux 🇫🇷 (2 Jan 1873 – 30 Sep 1897)
Translated from the French by S. L. Emery
Exiled afar from heaven, I still, dear Lord, can sing,—
I, Thy betrothed, can sing the eternal hymn of love;
For, spite of exile comes to me, on dove-like wing,
Thy Holy Spirit’s fire of rapture from above.
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Beauty supreme! my Love Thou art;
Thyself Thou givest all to me.
Oh, take my heart, my yearning heart,—
Make of my life one act of love to Thee!
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Canst Thou my worthlessness efface?
In heart like mine canst make Thy home?
Yes, love wins love,—O wondrous grace!
I love Thee, love Thee! Jesu, come I
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Love that enkindleth me,
Pierce and inflame me;
Come, for I cry to Thee!
Come and be mine!
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Thy love it urgeth me;
Fain would I ever be
Sunken and lost in Thee,
Furnace divine!
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All pain borne for Thee
Changes to joy for me,
When my love flies to Thee,
Winged like the dove.
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Heavenly Completeness,
Infinite Sweetness,
My soul possesseth Thee
Here, as above.
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Heavenly Completeness,
Infinite sweetness,
Naught else art Thou but Love!