Poem: The Dark Nights by Max Oliva, SJ (from"Free to Pray, Free to Love")

My heart is wounded.

I languish, waiting for you, God,
to heal me.
I wait on your love
that will return my spirit to me,
a new spirit,
and a new depth of inner peace.
With John of the Cross, I pray,
"Quench thou my griefs,
and let mine eyes behold thee."
Find me.
I am wounded by your love.
I need your love

to breathe
to walk and eat
to laugh and cry
to do simple actions
to feel an emotion or
to think a thought.

Show me that which my wounded heart desires.
Energize me with your loving power.
Amen.