Paul: When I was a Saul
Poem by Thomas Merton
ST. PAUL
When I was Saul, and sat among the cloaks, My eyes were stones, I saw no >sight of heaven, Open to take the spirit of the twisting Stephen.
When I was Saul, and sat among the rocks, I locked my eyes, and made my >brain my tomb,
Sealed with what boulders rolled across my reason!
When I was Saul and walked upon the blazing desert
My road was quiet as a trap.
I feared what word would split high noon with light And lock my life, and >try to drive me mad:
And thus I saw the Voice that struck me dead.
Tie up my breath, and wind me in white sheets of
anguish,
And lay me in my three days’ sepulchre
Until I find my Easter in a vision.
Oh Christ! Give back my life, go, cross Damascus, Find out my Ananias in >that other room:
Command him, as you do, in this my dream;
He knows my locks, and owns my ransom,
Waits for Your word to take his keys and come.