SYMEON THE NEW THEOLOGIAN
(949 – 1022)
How are You at once the source of fire,
how also the fountain of dew?
How at once burning and sweetness,
how a remedy for all disease?
How do You make gods of us humans,
how do You make darkness light?
How do You make one re-ascend from hell,
how do You make us mortals imperishable?
How do You draw darkness to light,
how do You triumph over night?
How do You illumine the heart?
how do You transform me entirely?
How do You become one with us,
how do You make us children of God…?
How is it I can love You
within me,
yet see You from afar?
How is it I embrace You
within myself,
yet see You spread
across the heavens?
You know. You alone.
You, who made this mystery,
You who shine
like the sun in my breast,
You who shine
in my material heart,
immaterially.
