the fire rises in me (a poem by symeon the new theologian)

the fire rises in me,

and lights up my heart.

like the sun!

like the golden disk!

opening, expanding, radiant--

yes!

--a flame!

i say again:

i don't know

what to say!

i'd fall silent

--if only i could--

but this marvel

makes my heart leap,

it leaves me open-mouthed

like a fool,

urging me

to summon words

from my silence.

-symeon the new theologian (949-1032)