The Inextinguishable Light

The Inextinguishable Light

for Luis Arias Manzo

'Allahu-r-rabu dhahana lana'
(The Lord is God, He appeared before us')

The Palm Service, second Ikos in the Melkite tradition

This little firefly,
spindly and delicate, assured and agile,
tiny flickering watchman
in the limitless night,
wavering breath
suspended in the abyss of the air!

You, small flame,
timid, transparent glow,
as dear to my heart
as the inaccessible heavens
scattered with the seed of stars!

You, gentle soul,
fragile soul
swaying precariously between
two persimmon leaves,
yet still kind enough to murmur
in my ear:

Stay quiet,
you must stay quiet!

Don't move,

Listen:

Alles atmet und dankt!

Translated from the French of Athanase Vantchev de Thracy by Norton Hodges