The Providence of Books

“It is sometimes given to us, this lovely emptiness, and then the Holy Spirit can fill it . . . .”   Madeleine L’Engle

. . . and it happens, too,

when words upon the printed page

fall into place,

and fit the moment and the heart

and, by undivided Grace,

what lies within,

what lies without,

converges into deepest sight.

In this depth

and breadth and height,

the outworn self evaporates.

Its hidden fears

and petty hatreds all abate.

For across that lovely emptiness,

the Voice behind all voices sings,

beckons us, and flings

His joyful laughter up

against the gates of Paradise

and, for a moment,

swings them wide once more.