Enter the Sanctuary
To find love I must enter into the sanctuary where it is hidden, which is the mystery of God.
Thomas Merton, New Seeds of Contemplation:
Deep in the tangle of branch and leaf
I move to the core, to the dark shaft
that draws life up from the muddy ground
to blooms sprung to being
by the ascendant sun,
open, imbibing morning light
like new wine, drunk with love.
Here I seek you
in your green sanctuary,
hiding, gleeful,
anxious to be found.
poem by Steven Federle
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Related quotes
The Only One
'The only One Who can teach me to find God is God, Himself, Alone.'
Thomas Merton, Seeds of Contemplation.
The only one
who can fill black night
with interior light,
who can lead me
past the gun-shots,
thump and thud,
hate filled percussion,
of hidden mines,
the death of
children
is God,
Himself,
Alone.
poem by Steven Federle
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The Sea Of Love
'….it is a sea of Love which flows through the One Body....'
Thomas Merton, New Seeds of Contemplation.
The sea of Love
fills my lungs
courses through
open fingers
warms glowing
heart, pulses
blood-lines
through diaphanous
skin.
In in the surge
of mother-sea
I wait
and grow
and emerge
into who
will be.
poem by Steven Federle
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Who I Am
"To say that I am made in the image of God is to say that love is the reason for my existence, for God is love. Love is my true identity. Selflessness is my true self. Love is my true character. Love is my name." Thomas Merton. New Seeds of Contemplation
Through bone-wrapped eyes, through murky vitreous,
through matter grey, lightning emotions flying
at the speed of light through my
tunnel vision, I focused on what was
just beyond the
end of my
nose.
I did not create that small voice
singing sweetly in
my ringing
ears;
but just before dawn, fingers numb,
hair disordered by the
western breeze
blinding
me
to Your love,
I heard Your voice!
Now the warmth of morning
cradles me
like
open hands.
Now I know
who I am.
poem by Steven Federle
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Sunny Afternoon
A branch rocks me in the deep blue.
In the frolicking, autumnal leaf-tangle
Moths flicker, intoxicated and crazy.
Ax blows resound in the floodplain.
My mouth bites into red berries
And light and shadows sway in the foliage.
For hours golden dust falls
Crackling in the brown ground.
The thrush laughs from the bushes
And frolicking and loudly the autumnal leaf-tangle
Strikes together above me -
Fruits detach bright and heavy.
poem by Georg Trakl
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Soul Sanctuary
Loving u in silence, knowing that its right
Under your gaze I ponder this love 2night
Unbothered by the chaos swirling round outside
In your arms is where I want 2 live and die
Someplace where your face is all that I see
Where the love we make intoxicates intensively
In a mirror where your sweet reflection used 2 be
There is hope, there is joy, my soul sanctuary
My soul sanctuary
Loving u in silence, neverending kiss
Under your gaze I can peacefully exist
Sanctuary, baby, nothing compares 2 this
In my darkest hour u can be my bliss (bliss)
All of me I give 2 thee down at your feet
The reassurance in your rhythm speaks 2 me
Over and over your screams are like a prayer
In the dark, u are there (u are there), my soul sanctuary
Ooh, my soul sanctuary
Loving u in passion unmolested in this garden
Mango and nectarine, sweet honeydew, I beg your pardon
My mouth runneth over from ecstasy
Its true (its true), baby, I love the taste of u
Loving u in silence, knowing that its right
Under your gaze I ponder this love 2night
Unbothered by the chaos swirling around outside
In your arms is where I wanna live and die
Someplace (someplace) where your face is all that I see (all that I see)
Where the love we make intoxicates intensively (intensively)
In a mirror (mirror) where your sweet (sweet) reflections used 2 be
There is hope, there is joy, my soul sanctuary
My soul sanctuary
(my, my, my, my, my soul) my soul sanctuary
Oh, my soul sanctuary
Soul sanctuary
song performed by by Prince
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Sanctuary
I walk the twilight zone beyond the city lights
In search of peace of mind I stole into the night
Tried to hide away from everything that threatened
My existence I showed resistance
Up there big brother's got his tabs on where I go
They tried to force me down a road where I can go
So you imagine, how I left when you said
"Baby, I can understand" touched my hand
You are my sanctuary when I'm in your arms, you take me away
You are my sanctuary when I'm in despair
I reach out and you're always there, you're always there
Beyond the skyways through the lookin' glass I roam
Into the never, never I found a star that glowed
And I descended on my last true wing and prayer
And you were standing there, the one that cared
You are my sanctary when I'm in your arms, you take me away
You are my sanctary when I'm in despair
I reach out and you're always there, you're always there
When there's no escaping and I panic in the night
I can run to you for cover 'cause you'll always make it right
You are my sanctuary when I'm in your arms, you take me away
You are my sanctuary when I'm in despair
I reach out and you're always there, you're always there
break
You are my sanctuary when I'm in your arms you take me away
You are my sanctuary
song performed by by Hollies
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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The Inward Man
Day after day the outward man crumbles and breaks down, and the inward man is born and grows in wisdom and knowledge. Thomas Merton
Leaf-bare,
swaying, slave
to the storm, I wait
for the gale
to drive me down,
dismember me
scatter my shattered limbs
across winter's ground,
while deep inside
my cambrian core
life persists!
I'll survive.
Beyond my limit
I will arise!
poem by Steven Federle
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Dark Contemplation
"Contemplation cannot be taught. It cannot even be clearly explained. It can only be hinted at, suggested, pointed to, symbolized." Thomas Merton. New Seeds of Contemplation
Through seasons of pleasure
and months of pain,
morning birds calling;
night's howling trains
oh, fall into dream's
cold silent folds
where unyielding truth
nightly is told.
The morning star's rising
through night's fading lace.
Soon sun will be glaring;
truth without grace.
poem by Steven Federle
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Mercy and Love
In order to know and love God as He is, we must have God dwelling in us in a new way, not only in His creative power but in His mercy. Thomas Merton, New Seeds of Contemplation.
Nothing I could do
would ever be enough
to make the dead-wood
live. Though the wind
and rain sever bright leaves,
tender blossoms from
the cherry tree, and the
birds themselves fly
from my anger,
I know
I could never
make it right,
though with tears I flood,
nourish with a
broken heart's blood
I am powerless.
Yet still these bruised stems,
thicken and split
to bud, spill green life,
fill the earth
with mercy
and love.
poem by Steven Federle
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For Love Alone
Occupy my whole life with the one thought and the one desire of love, that I may love not for the sake of merit, not for the sake of perfection, not for the sake of virtue, not for the sake of sanctity but for love alone. Thomas Merton, Seeds of Contemplation.
radiant vision
brilliant interlude
raging clouds sundered,
sun-split storm;
soft rain falls
through winter-bare trees,
through fields of
feral flowers,
God's world
set afire
for love alone
poem by Steven Federle
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A Long Goodbye
In these days of mine for keeps Im trying to hold on
When suddenly youre all out of reach & everything goes wrong
What we say & what we do are entirely different things
Meaningless straight through the roof its not how it should be
Easy like a bird I ride the breeze my mind is falling
Youre so ordinary, youre my sanctuary in the morning darling
New sensation, love vibration, heart to heart & a long goodbye
You go your way, Ill go my way, life is truer than fiction in this crazy
Land of milk & honey life is just an illusion
I just dont know what to believe in, if the truth be known
Suffering from soul fatigue, weathering the storm
What we say & what we do are entirely different things
The whisperings dissolve the room well its not how it should be
Swaying like a tree I feel the sky somebody calling
Youre so ordinary, be my sanctuary in the morning darling
New sensation, love vibrations, heart to heart & a dumb goodbye
Then you go your way, Ill go my way, life is truer than fiction in this
Crazy mixed up world of honey life is just an illusion darling
Easy like a bird I ride the breeze my mind is falling
Youre so ordinary, be my sanctuary in the morning darling
New sensation, love vibrations, heart to heart & a long goodbye
You go your way, Ill go my way, life is truer than fiction in this crazy
Mixed up world of honey life is just an illusion
Youre so ordinary, sanctuary, be my one in the morning darling
The new sensation, love vibrations, heart to heart & a dumb goodbye
Then you go your way, Ill go my way, life is truer than fiction in this
Crazy mixed up world of honey life is just an illusion
Youre so ordinary, sanctuary, be my light in the morning darling
The new sensation, love vibrations, heart to heart & a long goodbye
Then you go your way, Ill go my way, life is truer than fiction in this
Crazy mixed up world of honey life is just an illusion darling
song performed by by Erasure
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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A New leaf
There’s a new leaf upon the Tree
A thousand, thousand have been before
In the life of this great tree
Yet, the Tree rejoices, and is glad
For there is a New Leaf upon the tree
The roots are deep, and hidden
Tis one tree from root to branch
And lives in and through each leaf
The hearts’ smile resurrected
Through the New leaf upon the tree
Like the stars of heaven
New leaves have been many
And so they all are One
For they all share the same root
Bless the New leaf upon the tree
Perfection in the Blessing
Joy released in tears of love
The strength in life will comfort
From root to God above
A New leaf upon the tree
Beauty, Truth, and life
Complete from root to branch
When life’s cycle turns
Leaves fall to nourish roots
And behold, a New leaf upon the tree
poem by Adrian Wait
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The First Moment
A door opens in the center of our being and we seem to fall through it into immense depths which, although they are infinite, are all accessible to us; all eternity seems to have become ours in this one placid and breathless contact.
Thomas Merton, Seeds of Contemplation
The approach is clear;
light of day,
bright sky
beyond my
silken shroud,
the door is open,
but I am afraid.
Should I pass through,
perhaps descend to
endless depths?
I listen,
I hear you calling me
calling me;
come home.
so, breathless,
trembling with life,
I begin.
poem by Steven Federle
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Oddfellowship in Woodstock
Well tell a tale, it shall be brief
It is of rise of Maple Leaf,
From noble Olive Branch it sprung,
And its good deeds shall yet be sung ;
This Encampment, though in its youth,
Glories in friendship, love, and truth
Of all our lodges yet the chief
May be this youthful Maple Leaf ;
Built of good timber, it doth launch
Well worthy of the Olive Branch,
And though it only is a shoot
We hope that it will take deep root,
And soon be vigorous Maple tree
In Canada so broad and free.
And may its usefulness ne'er cease
Sprung from the Olive Branch of peace,
But comfort brothers in distress,
Widows and orphans it will bless,
And console them in their grief,
Protected by the Maple Leaf.
Poor travellers in the wilderness
They oft do suffer great distress,
But may no pilgrim get rude shock
Sojourning here in Woodstock.
poem by James McIntyre
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Life Itself
"It is that life itself, fully awake, fully active,
fully aware that it is alive. It is spiritual wonder."
Thomas Merton, New Seeds of Contemplation
Dark rain penetrates
tender leaves, swell spirits, sparks
dormant roots to life.
Like a god, Your star
ascends; with wonder and grace
shines Your mighty face!
poem by Steven Federle
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Sanctuary
Out of the winter came a war horse of steel.
Ive never killed a woman before, but I know how it feels.
*chorus*:
I know youd have gone insane if you saw what I saw.
So now Ive got to look for sanctuary from the law.
So give me sanctuary from the law and Ill be alright.
Just give me sanctuary from the law and love me tonight, tonight.
I met up with a slinger last night to keep me alive.
He spends all his money on gambling and guns to survive.
*chorus*
I can laugh at the wind, I can howl at the rain.
Down in the canyon or out in the plain.
*chorus*
song performed by by Iron Maiden
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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The Sacrament
I hear you breathe so far from here
I feel your touch so close and real
And I know
My church is not of silver and gold,
It's glory lies beyond judgement of souls
The commandments are of consolation and warmth
You know our sacred dream won't fail
The sanctuary tender and so frail
The sacrament of love
The sacrament of warmth is true
The sacrament is you
I hear you weep so far from here
I taste your tears like you're next to me
And I know
my weak prayers are not enough to heal
The ancient wounds so deep and so dear
The revelation is of hatred and fear
You know our sacred dream won't fail
The sanctuary tender and so frail
The sacrament of love
The sacrament of warmth is true
The sacrament is you
The sacrament is you
The sacrament is you
The sacrament is you
The sacrament is you
You know our sacred dream won't fail
The sanctuary tender and so frail
The sacrament of love
The sacrament of warmth is true
The sacrament is you
You know our sacred dream won't fail
The sanctuary tender and so frail
The sacrament of love
The sacrament of warmth is true
The sacrament is you
song performed by by H.I.M.
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Inspiration
"Inspiration is a judgment on a deep level, somewhere down in the ground of our being." Thomas Merton
In the bright morning
when I awake
my soul arises
from sleep's dark cave.
I'll not deny
what it is
that you see.
Just say what I am
and, by you inspired,
that will I be.
poem by Steven Federle
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The Sacrament
I hear you breathe so far from me
I feel your touch so close and real
And I know
My church is not of silver and gold,
Its glory lies beyond judgement of souls
The commandments are of consolation oh
You know our sacred dream wont fail
The sanctuary tender and so frail
The sacrament of love
The sacrament of warmth is true
The sacrament is you
I hear you weep so far from me
I taste your tears like youre next to me
And I know
That our prayers are not enough to give
Oh the ancient runes so deep and so dear
The revelation is our patron fear
You know our sacred dream wont fail
The sanctuary tender and so frail
The sacrament of love
The sacrament of warmth is true
The sacrament is you
The sacrament is you
The sacrament is you
The sacrament is you
The sacrament is you
You know our sacred dream wont fail
The sanctuary tender and so frail
The sacrament of love
The sacrament of warmth is true
The sacrament is you
You know our sacred dream wont fail
The sanctuary tender and so frail
The sacrament of love
The sacrament of warmth is true
The sacrament is you
song performed by by H.i.m. (his Infernal Majesty)
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Divine in Contemplation
The goal of man is to be as god,
To reach out to the divine in contemplation
And so return as far as possible to the divine source.
Seek the hidden truths contained
Within the scriptures of your lore
Seek to restore your unity
But know you must remain
For this life is one worth living
Our love is love worth giving
And though the priesthoods of our race
May claim knowledge beyond the consideration
Of most, what they know are but ghosts of the truth
Our grandmother’s contained in their eyes.
The gods of every sphere know true a heart of gold
This they know as every soul is a story to unfold.
Each will know true the kiss of the gods within their time
Each will know their soul as one with yours as well as mine
Each will know the midnight sun to radiate and shine
Each will know the all as one, those shackled and those blind.
Consider not that the scholar lost within a realm of scrolls
Shall ever know more than the rambling man who allows
Dawn to kiss his soul. Embrace the freedom of the valley,
Allow the muse room within your garden sanctuary
And there she may sing soft lullabies to your children.
poem by David Lacey
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