Cantique De Mesa

Here I lie in my burning chapel! Surrounding me On every side I see A throng of torches standing sentinel. Nor are they candles lit, but puissant stars Great Virgins blazing before God's face, Which, seen in adorations, bears such grace As Mary declares herself unworthy. And I, mankind, Intelligence, am lying Prone upon the earth, Preparing for my death Upon a solemn bier now descending Into this, the deepest deep of Universe, The very middle of this immense bubble Of stars where in a close huddle Holds still your place, the devout faith. And here I see collect the Night's vast clergy, Its bishops and its Patriarchs And up above my head stands stark The lonely pole star, at my sides the very edge And that equator curving out afar Where reside the swarming animals Of space, which one, unknowing, calls The Milky Way... a binding lace, taut arch. Not one of you, O brilliant ones, supports The soul, but she alone The earth.. the central one Who, bearing forth her man exhorts Your rapture, makes you turn your heads Toward her like a million sheep.. She your shepherd, watcher of your sleep, And your Messiah, singing for your dawn.