How Well I Know the Fountain

*** Revised Common Lectionary *** Lectionary Reading: Isaiah 43:16-21 CLASSIC POEM: How Well I know that Fountain St. John of the Cross How well I know that fountain’s rushing flow Although by night II Its deathless spring is hidden. Even so Full well I guess from whence its sources flow Though it be night. III Its origin (since it has none) none knows: But that all origin from it arose Although by night. IV I know there is no other thing so fair And earth and heaven drink refreshment there Although by night V Full well I know its depth no man can sound And that no ford to cross it can be found Though by night. VI Its clarity unclouded still shall be: Out of its comes the light by which we see Though by night. VII Flush with its banks the stream so proudly swells; I know its waters, nations, heavens, and hells VIII The current that is nourished by this source I know to be omnipotent in force Although by night. IX From source and current a new current swells Which neither of the other twain excels Though by night X The eternal source hides in the Livyng Bread That we with life eternal may be fed Though by night. XI Here to all creatures is crying, hark! That they should drink their fill though in the dark, For it is night. XII This living fount which is to me so dear Within the bread of life I see it clear Though it be night! *** This poem is in the public domain, and may be read in a live-streamed worship service. CONTEMPORARY POEM: Miriam: The Red Sea Muriel Rukeyser SNIPPET: High above shores and times, I on the shore forever and ever. Moses my brother has crossed over to milk, honey, that holy land. … [ READ THE FULL POEM ]