For hope of firm faith,
which descends from heaven,
even the fatigue from heavy trials
seems suddenly lighter to bear.
Yet the constant desire
to get as close as possible
to the bridegroom, in whom is joy,
is accompanied by this emotion of sorrow.
Therefore, with sighs, prayers,
petitions and anxiety,
with warm tears, lamentation
they turn only to him,
that he may bless them with his company
as soon as possible.
May that joy, some say,
find a purpose in our living.
Others say: Send, Lord,
the one you have promised.
Tear open heaven, others plead,
that we may gaze upon you,
as you descend to us,
to soothe our laments.
Give the dew from heaven to the earth,
for the earth longs to drink.
May the open earth
yield beautiful flowers
in place of thorny bushes
and rest in them.
Blessed will be, another says,
to whom it is granted to live in time,
when even the very God
they may behold with their eyes,
to touch him with their own hand,
to walk with him on all paths,
to delight in his mysteries,
which are the riches of the world.
(John of the Cross, Fifth Romance, translation by Gustav Francl)
