You are strong and beautiful in rites and in the shining of the altar,
mounting like the smoke of perfumes to the column of praise.
Where you intercede for the people who stretch towards the mirror of light
to whom there is praise on high.
(Excerpt from”Columba Aspexit” by Hildegarde von Bingen at All poetry)
Can you carry this song to parched nations?
offering silver hope in the sight of none
whispered echo of your victory
in chanted prayers of the nuns
Our trodden spirits long to be revived
as our souls are seered and desert dry
bathe our feet in holy libations
tears caught when the heavens cry
Give us cause to upward lift our praise
gathered in one choral sacrament
to raise notes in pleasing offering
let ours be a welcome instrument
Lord in humility we prostate lay
what we place on the altar meek
make change in our hearts be true
let it be your precious love we seek
like the winged white symbol
let us with one spirit rise
lifted unto the radiant son
upon righteous wings we fly
***
“Then will I go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy:
yes, on the harp will I praise you, O God my God.”
~Psalms 43:4
Poets United Midweek Motif has asked us to write a poem based on the work of Hildegard von Bingen a nun in the tenth century. I was not familiar this woman but am inspired by her poetry and music. There is much to be learned from a humble heart whose only intent is pleasing her God.
penned in moon dust 