St. Teresa

Poem by Tim Bete, OCDS

“With anguish sharp and deep I cry: ‘I die because I do not die.’”

— St. Teresa of Avila

How is it that a verse
from poet’s hand
can bridge the chasm
from mind to soul?

Like a bucket of water
that primes a pump,
bringing forth a prayer
to quench my heart.

Words I did not
know were mine
until you wrote them and
put them into my mouth,
connecting me to the
Spirit’s wellspring,
an aqueduct of love

opened by your pen.