Quote from Thomas Merton

When in the Soul of the Serene Disciple

by Thomas Merton

When in the soul of the serene disciple

With no more Fathers to imitate

Poverty is a success,

It is a small thing to say the roof is gone:

He has not even a house.

Stars, as well as friends,

Are angry with the noble ruin.

Saints depart in several directions.

Be still:

There is no longer any need of comment.

It was a lucky wind

That blew away his halo with his cares,

A lucky sea that drowned his reputation.

Here you will find

Neither a proverb nor a memorandum.

There are no ways,

No methods to admire

Where poverty is no achievement.

His God lives in his emptiness like an affliction.
What choice remains?

Well, to be ordinary is no choice:

It is the usual freedom

Of men (and women) without (their) visions.

(words in parentheses) added by Richard Rohr

contributed by Shauna Bjorndahl