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.
Share this Post on Your Preferred Platform
An Ode to St. Brendan the Voyager
Materialism vs. Liturgical Life
The Faith of the Holy Myrrhbearing Women
Oxymorons and the Cross
Warrior, Shepherd, Penitent, and Type of Christ
The Church in the World
A reflection for Orthodox Great and Holy Friday
A reflection for Good Friday
The Character of the Early Church
The Sisters of Sophia will gather on the Commemoration of the Great Martyr Theodore, Anno Domini 2026, February 17. Rachel Garton will present The Battlefield of Compassion: Florence Nightingale, Clara Barton, and St Verena . Sisters of Sophia When Every third Tuesday Where The Ladder 2836 E Douglas, Wichita Parking available behind Eighth Day Books Schedule Food, drink, and fellowship at 6:30pm Eighth Day Convocation & Lecture at 7:20pm Membership Required? No, but do consider joining the community! Learn more and join here !
