A Lenten poem based on a Meditation by Denis the Carthusian (1402-1471) – by an anonymous student
“Observe attentively
with the eye of your heart how I
am hanging upon the cross.
I’m hanging with outstretched arms
so that I can embrace you
whenever you come to me.
My feet are nailed in place
so that you can understand
I don’t ever want to leave you
and I can’t ever do so.
My hands are pierced
so that you can know
I don’t want to deny
whatever you ask me,
so that you can grasp
the nails aren’t fastening me to the cross,
but my love which belongs to you since eternity,
if you only desire to remain in my love.
See then with what power and love I have written you into my hands and my feet
so that I never forget you.
And still that wasn’t enough;
for your sake I
am at work on something much greater:
A spear’s torn under my ribs,
so that the way to my heart hangs open.
Observe my great love,
that drove me to die
for you.”