Poetry Chaikhana Sacred Poetry from Around the World

Christian : Catholic 13th Century	About Clare of Assisi Timeline (1193? - 1254)
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English version by Regis J. Armstrong, OFM CAP & Ignatius C. Brady, OFM Original Language Italian	Draw me after You!
Commentary by Ivan M. Granger Themes   Lover and Beloved   Marriage   Perfume   Sexual Union   Wine   Recommended Books All Saints: Daily Reflections on Saints, Prophets, and Witnesses for Our Time, by Robert Ellsberg Francis and Clare: The Complete Works: The Classics of Western Spirituality, Translated by Regis J. Armstrong, OFM CAP / Translated by Ignatius C. Brady, OFM Sacred Voices: Essential Women's Voices Through the Ages, Edited by Mary Ford-Grabowsky	Draw me after You! We will run in the fragrance of Your perfumes,      O heavenly Spouse! I will run and not tire,      until You bring me into the wine-cellar,      until Your left hand is under my head      and Your right hand will embrace me happily      and You will kiss me with the happiest kiss of Your mouth.     -- from Francis and Clare: The Complete Works: The Classics of Western Spirituality, Translated by Regis J. Armstrong, OFM CAP / Translated by Ignatius C. Brady, OFM Amazon.com
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Commentary by Ivan M. Granger

A wonderfully intimate, almost erotic poem by this saint so associated with St. Francis of Assisi.

This love poem to God shows an influence of the Troubadour songs so loved by Francis and possibly even a hint of the sacred Sufi poems that circulated through the Mediterranean, as a result of the Muslim kingdoms of Spain and North Africa.

The image of a divine "wine-cellar" shows that Clare was a genuine mystic and no mere pietist. Wine is a metaphor that appears in sacred poetry throughout the world, a reference to the sense of sweetness on the palette during divine ecstasy, the sense of "drinking" a subtle substance, of the warmth in the heart and belly, and the giddiness and trembling that often accompany the state. To refer specifically to a "wine-cellar" also recalls the sense of being carried to another place, a place apart, a hidden place in which one secretly meets the Beloved, a place sometimes called marriage chamber.

I love the translation of the last line, "...and you will kiss me with the happiest kiss of Your mouth." Beautiful!

Ivan M. Granger's original poetry, stories and commentaries are Copyright © 2002 - 2008 by Ivan M. Granger.
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