LIVING FLAME OF LOVE

Oh living flame of love
that tenderly wounds
the deepest centre of my soul!
As you torment no longer
end it if you will,
and break the fabric of this sweet encounter!

Oh gentle cure!
Oh gracious wound!
Oh soft hand! Oh delicate touch
that savours of eternal life
and all debt pays!
By killing, death into life has changed.

Oh lamps of fire
in whose radiance
the deep caverns of a sense
that once was dark and blind,
with wondrous skills
radiate warmth and light to your beloved!

How meek and loving
you awake in my bosom
where you alone in secret dwell,
and with your fragrant breath
filled with goodness and glory,
how delicately you make me love!