Post Tenebras Lux

Post Tenebras Lux [i]

In the night watches, in the night watches,
When the gloom of the know-less falls like a numbing chill,
And the ghost-breath of sad confusion sudden touches
The quick of the soul, and life and time grow still, –
My God! I cry to you.

In the night watches, in the night watches,
O God who needs not sleep, come visit me!
My God, whose midnight-piercing eye well matches
My luster-need, as wetness matches sea,
I cry alone to you.

In the night watches, in the night watches, –
Come shatter darkness with all-conquering sight,
Illume my spirit-cave, show where the latch is
Upon the door that leads to life and light:
My God! I cry to you.

In the night watches, in the night watches,
I meditate upon the lustrous King,
And look! in the wannish East my soul-eye catches
Again a glimpse of Light’s true ordering:
Jesus! I cry to you.

[i] Latin: “After Darkness, Light”

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