Blog Post

Let This Darkness Be a Bell Tower

by Rainer Maria Rilke

Feast of SS Veronika and Speratos the Martyrs

Anno Domini 2020, July 17

The Great Lavra Bell Tower (to the left of the Refectory Church), also known as the Great Belfry, is the main bell tower of the ancient cave monastery of Kiev Perchersk Lavra in Kiev, the capital of Ukraine.

Quiet friend who has come so far,

feel how your breathing makes more space around you.

Let this darkness be a bell tower

and you the bell. As you ring,

what batters you becomes your strength.

Move back and forth into the change.

What is it like, such intensity of pain?

If the drink is bitter, turn yourself to wine.

In this uncontainable night,

be the mystery at the crossroads of your senses,

the meaning discovered there.

And if the world has ceased to hear you,

Ssy to the silent earth: I flow.

To the rushing water, speak: I am.

*From Sonnets to Orpheus II, 29. Translated by Joanna Macy and Anita Barrows.

< Older Post Newer Post >

Support Cultural Renewal by Contributing to the Inklings Fall Fundraiser

Contribute to Cultural Renewal by Sharing on Your Preferred Platform

In an isolating secularized culture where the Church's voice is muffled through her many divisions, Christians need all the help they can get to strengthen their faith in God and love toward their neighbor. Eighth Day Institute offers hope to all Christians through our adherence to the Nicene faith, our ecumenical dialogues of love and truth, and our many events and publications to strengthen faith, grow in wisdom, and foster Christian friendships of love. Will you join us in our efforts to renew soul & city? Donate today and join the community of Eighth Day Members who are working together to renew culture through faith & learning.