FRAGRANCES
OF GRACE
~ Duane
L. Herrmann
If it were not for the Grace of God... Where would we be?
The
poems in this collection are a celebration of that Grace in some of its many
forms.
AThy grace hath raised me up and led me
unto Thee...@ With what other words
can we celebrate our arrival at the Sacred Shore? If it were not for the Grace of God... where would we be? This collection is a celebration of that
Grace in some of its many forms.
It is easy sometimes to be unaware of the
Grace of God that touches on our lives, and our consciousness is the poorer for
it. I pray that the thoughts contained
in these poems will enhance our awareness and appreciation of that Grace. My thoughts and prayers are sent with wings
of hope.
May we all see more clearly the Light of God=s Grace, and rejoice.
Most Sincerely,
Duane L. Herrmann
Ayyám-i-Há 152
Index
Genesis
II......... 1
In
Wonder.......... 2
In
the Darkness Shines 3
Sun
Magnificent.... 4
Steadfastness...... 5
Garden
of the Rose. 6
Lightly
Treading... 7
Supplication....... 8
Quiet
and Peace.... 9
Credits.............
1 Genesis II
Neutrons
explode!
Electrons
dance in ecstasy
and dissolve!
Protons
expire in bliss.
All
of creation
is re-created in an instant.
Omnipotence
unleashed:
Genesis
again,
through the power of the
word:
ABE!@
and It Is Done.
THIS
is Ridván!!
The
Mere
mortals move
if they perceive
the blinding knowledge:
Omnipotent
NOW,
invoking new beings
to sustain the Mighty Word
unleashed
to ravage the universe:
destroy and rebuild
on a new foundation.
New
laws of spiritual power
set in operation
to transform
the very molecules
in every created thing
and new human beings.
This
is the new creation.
Ridván: The Dawn
of the maturity
of the human race.
2 In Wonder
Surging
from the sky
singing praises
to the One
Who
originated
all being,
came they.
Multitudes
of praise
pour forth,
range upon range
in ecstasy.
Colors
transcending the rainbow
in waves
vibrantly
dancing
on air.
This
is the living,
This
is the joy,
This
is the purpose
beyond breath.
3 In The Darkness
Shines
What
manner of light,
in the darkness shines
unearthly and unreal?
Transcendent
and awe-spiring,
it glances on our lives.
In
the darkness surely,
when the soul is tried.
We
see the light most real.
This
LIGHT,
illumination,
shows the way to grow.
In
the darkness shines
the Light Divine
into the depths of pain.
For
it we see,
we will transcend
the limits -
of our selves.
AAnd
they have made their dwelling,
in the shadow of the Essence.@
4 Sun Magnificent
Bahá=u=lláh:
the Sun Magnificent,
has rearranged the soul
and body and heart
of generations.
Dynamic
destinies await
those millions who
fling themselves into the
sun -
becoming stars.
Hesitation
kills
the soul in some degrees
Run! Leap!
Jump!
Into
life with God!
Bahá=u=lláh
fulfills
the ancient need
and mystic union
with absolute reality
and sacredness.
Exaltation
rings
from one so unattached;
transcendent,
leaving self
and nothingness.
Bahá=u=lláh,
the Sun
consumes, renews, transforms
the dust
into Magnificence
5 Steadfastness
Toward
the building of a world
that no one knows
and cannot see,
not even you or me.
A
world beyond our farthest dreams -
but dreams can clash
and so can we.
A
world beyond description -
but still our goal and aim;
we falter on
One
step at a time
and we stumble and spill
yet we try
against all odds
Toward
the building of a world
that no one knows
and cannot see,
not even you, or me.
6 Garden of the Rose
The
Garden of the Rose
summons wretched flowers
from the desert
for transformation:
liberation, resurrection,
and the chance to be a rose.
The
Garden of the Rose
is open to all people.
Some
pass by unseeing.
Some
wander in then out.
Some
stop to destroy
(they cannot live with Beauty).
The
Garden of the Rose
is dwelt within by lovers -
lovers who cannot stay
away;
lovers whose breath is
fragrant
whose hearts are shining
stars
whose souls are soaring
birds.
The
Garden of the Rose
endures supreme
with ancient Beauty.
Renewed
from age to age
to rescue all lost flowers
and welcome each one home,
In the Garden of the Rose.
7 Lightly Treading
To
be respectful of The Mother
we must step lightly
when walking on her.
Our
treading must not be
a cause of sorrow or disruption;
for others must pass too.
Behind
us we must leave
a trail of Beauty -
in faces, places and planets:
A
trail of Beauty to resound
in Glory dancing on the waves
of human tracing.
8 Supplication
(inspired by a prayer of the Báb)
O My God.
O My Lord.
O My Master!
I beg Thee to forgive me
for seeking:
any pleasure
save Thy love,
any comfort
except Thy nearness,
any delight
besides Thy good
pleasure,
any existence
other than communion
with Thee.
9 Quiet and Peace
Be
still.
Silent
as a solitary cloud
in the sky,
or moon
full of light.
Be
still.
Silent,
let it rest:
your mind
and your body;
let it rest.
Be
still.
Silent,
from the depths
of the well
of peace:
let silence flow.
Be
still.
Silent,
as the stars
in their courses
circling round
the planet.
Be
still.
Silent,
breathe
slowly, softly,
with meaning
Be
still.
Silent,
rest,
as the rocks repose
in their might
and strength.
Be
still.
Silent,
as the flower opens
softly to the sun,
and glorifies
its Lord.
Be
still.
Silent,
open to the Spirit
whispering
softly
in your heart.
Be
still.
Silent
to the rhythm
and the flow
of the soul
of the world.
with meaning
and grace.
CREDITS:
The following poems were previously
published:
Garden of the Rose: Whispers Shouting Glory: p. 21, 8 1989.
Lightly Treading, 8 1991: Potpourri Postcards, & BAFA #24, June
1993.
Steadfastness: Voices from a Borrowed Garden: p. 66, 8 1990, Louhelen
Bahá=í
School.
Sun Magnificent: AWorld Order, # 27, No.1 (Fall 1995):
p.19, 8 1995 by the National Spiritual
Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the
Quotations are from the Bahá’í Sacred Writings.
The poem, “Supplication”, is based
on a prayer revealed by the Báb.
Fragrances of Grace
8 152 (1995/6) by Duane L. Herrmann
ISBN 1-879448-10-6