samedi 24 septembre 2011

Laila

                                                                                                               


I came with naked thoughts
calm and concerned

a thousand prayers 
had cut through my night
to build my peace of soul
and create my wandering hopes

when they believed 
that I would collapse
in a tower of stillness
I stood firm and sang
an ancient byzantine chant
sanctified by centuries of asceticism

they looked at me and remained silent

the day had been sunny
and the night was clear
one could hear angels
climbing Jacob's ladder up and down

Claude Lopez-Ginisty

vendredi 23 septembre 2011

Churches



There is no real mystery
in the passing of time

the litanies of days
and the prayers at night
all merge into Hymns

Hours
and subtle Vespers 
Matins 
and Liturgies

Grace abides by the Word
and you sign yourself safe
when you peacefully leave
the century old shrines of Eden on earth

Claude Lopez-Ginisty

mardi 20 septembre 2011

Ha Maqom



O my soul

Sing all your melodies
dance all your loves
catch the sunny side 
of all your acts
with the solemn flights
of swallows in the Fall

do not procrastinate

drink at the cup of Beauty 
without even thinking
that you could get drunk

O my soul
I once lost my heart in the material world
but I found my path 
in a thousand smiles and prayers
paving my way
towards His Presence

Claude Lopez-Ginisty

lundi 12 septembre 2011

Nox



It was a calm night oJuly
I avoided their looks
poppy among nettles
but they trapped me down
in the pit of bravery
pretending that pretty soon
my ill-fated friends would betray my joy
and wave me good night
on this pure Summer evening

 I lost my lust for love
when I heard their screams

Inside my chest
a thousand mountains fell down
and let the dark blue sky
gasping in dust and ashes

Claude Lopez-Ginisty