saints and sinners- St John of the Cross

Arrogance

The weight of arrogance is such
that no bird can fly
carrying it.

And the man who feels superior
to others, that man cannot dance,

the real dance when the soul takes God
into its arms and you both fall
onto your knees in
gratitude,

a blessed gratitude
for life.

saints and sinners- St John of the Cross

The Essence of Desire

I did not
have to ask my heart what it wanted,
because of all the desires I have ever known just one did I cling to
for it was the essence
of all desire:

to hold beauty in
my soul's
arm.

saints and sinners- St John of the Cross

Spanish mystic poet (1542-1591) who was forcibly converted to Christianity as a child and would eventually become Carmelite friar and reformer. More history.

“In the evening of life, we will be judged on love alone.”