The Eye Hath Not Seen

I'm a big fan of imitation as a way of composing. This was a common mode in the Renaissance, reborn today in the form of remix culture -- an idea to which my "open source" sonnets blog is devoted. I believe that some of the divine gifts given to us are to be found in the cultural commons, where we can rework established creations into things not tried before. So here's an attempt, a sabbath sonnet reworking a biblical promise.

The Eye Hath Not Seen
by Gideon Burton

An imitation of 1 Corinthians 2:9-10

But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

In holy writ, in prophets' ink, it's said 
the eye with all her searching has not seen, 
nor has the patient ear with patience read, 
nor has it entered hearts both whole and clean, 
those glories, blanket blessings thick and full, 
that he our loving God has long prepared, 
has saved and savored till at last he pulls 
the heavens whole on souls whose hearts are bared 
in pure and simple love for him. And yet 
our gracious master has revealed this boon 
through spirit, holy washing grace, through wet 
and cleansing peace upon us, heaven's tune.

    For Spirit searches well and fathoms deep 
    to find in us divinity to keep.


Feel free to copy, imitate, remix, or redistribute this poem as long as you give proper acknowledgment of authorship. Photo: flickr - greencandy8888