The Selected Poetry of Jessica Powers is a simple, plain book of nearly two hundred poems, written by a Carmelite nun whose poetic gifts were recognized before she entered the convent in 1941. Having become Sister Miriam, Jessica's powers of observation and ability with words grew more profound as she entered more deeply into the silence of Carmel. 

We reproduce here three of her poems as a sample of the mystical treasures in this book:

Obscurity

Obscurity becomes the final peace.

The hidden then are the elect, the free.

They leave our garish noon an find release

In evening's gift of anonymity.

Lost, not in loneness but in multitude,

They serve unseen without the noise of name.

Should you disdain them, ponder for your good:

It was in this way that the angels came.

(1952; 1984)

For a Proud Friend, Humbled

In that least place to which all mercies come

I find you now, settled in peace, at home,

Poor little one of Yahweh. On your face

Only response of love lies, with no trace

Or drifting hint of what had brought you low.

Down steps of like unworthiness I go

Weighted with heart (and how heart can oppress!)

To see you humbled into gentleness

(and into innocence) so utterly.

Pray me, my blessed, into your company.

(1970; 1984)

The Tear in the Shade

I tore the new pale window shade with slightly

More than a half-inch tear.

I knew the Lady would be shocked to see

What I had done with such finality.

I went outside to lose my worry there.

Later when I came back into the room

It seemed that nothing but the tear was there.

There had been furniture, a rug, and pictures,

And on the table flowers in purple bloom.

It was amazing how they dwindled, dwindled,

And how the tear grew till it filled the room.

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Thank you and God bless!