You unseen lightning, flash of light in darkness,
heart-filling strength, an Essence inconceivable.
Something divine dwells in my spirit,
stirring and moving me: I feel a rare light.
The soul, of its own self, is not such a worthy light.
It was a Wonder-wind, a Spirit, a Creator,
Eternal Strength-giving Breath, the Utmost Being
that kindled in me Heaven's flaming light.
You glance of flashing colors, you radiant splendour!
You shimmer to and fro, mysteriously clear—
the Spirit's dove-flights gleaming in the Sun's pure truth.
The God-stirred pool, though cloudy, is yet clear!
The Spirit-Sun first shines upon the moon
which turns and sheds clear light upon the earth.
Click here to see this sonnet in the original German.
