Seeking

It is terrible for people to meet God, And more terrible still not to meet Him. It would be better if He were our stern judge, Than distant forever and foreign. He is Holy Love, almighty and supreme, He ignites stars in the soul. Why in our life did it happen That we pursued empty mirages? Why did the heart—a weary island— Not resist the waves of sin? The boat was dashed upon sharp stones, The deaf conscience did not stir. Yet it ached, ached, ached persistently, Burning and throbbing to exhaustion… So we longed to spread our wings And feel that blessed warmth. But someone strong held firmly on, Giving no rest, not for a moment, And forced us to lie prostrate, So the sky would never open to us. Turn away from the heart, you tyrant! May tomorrow's day be bright! …It is very terrible to meet God, Still more terrible—not to meet Him…