Two dollar chime

It clinks,

and only three notes,

and barely in tune at that.

But blending with the rustle of leaves

carried on this morning’s breeze,

it does its part;

it sprinkles peace.

After Lorenzo Scupoli

Ask ye,

“O most high and holy
King of Heaven,
what hast brought thee
to me, and I but wretched
and poor and blind
and naked?”

And He shall answer,

“Love.”

Ask ye then,

“O sweet and uncreated
total love,
what would thou ask
from me, whose essence
must remain abhorrent
to your eyes?”

And He shall answer,

“Love.”

And you shall cry out,

“Love! Excepting
that of self, I have
no love!”

And He shall say,

“Take mine.”