The desert has many teachings

Posted byRobinPosted inMy blog, poetryTags:, , , , , , , , , , ,

Mechthild of Magdeburg

translated by: Jane Hirshfield
In the desert,
Turn towards emptiness,
Fleeing the self.
Stand alone,
Ask no-one's help,
And your being will quiet
Free from the bondage of things.

Those who cling to the world,
Endeavour to free them;
Those who are free, praise.
Care for the sick,
But live alone,
Happy to drink from the waters of sorrow,
To kindle Love's fire
With the twigs of a simple life.

Published by Robin

I'm a retired journalist who still has stories to tell. This seems to be a good place to tell them.

Leave a comment