Three Sonnets to Saint Therese of Lisieux by Jeff Callaway

Three Sonnets to Saint Therese of Lisieux

By Jeff Callaway

Texas Outlaw Poet

1. Petrarchan Sonnet

O Thérèse, sweet rose of Heaven’s bloom, 

Thy fragrance lingers in my soul’s retreat, 

Where once I wandered lost in darkened gloom, 

Thy petals fell like grace beneath my feet. 

Thou cam’st with Christ’s own whisper in thy prayer, 

A sister sent to guide me through the night, 

To teach me how to love, to hope, to dare— 

To walk the Little Way toward holy light.

Thy hand in mine, I climb the hidden stair, 

Each step a gift, each trial now made sweet. 

Thy smile, a flame that burns away despair, 

Thy roses fall where Heaven and earth meet. 

O Saint, my heart is thine, my path made clear— 

Through thee I’ve learned to draw my Jesus near.

2. Spenserian Sonnet

Thou art the bloom that blossoms in my soul, 

Fair Thérèse, child of Heaven’s gentle grace, 

Thy Little Way has made the broken whole, 

And lit with love the shadows I embrace.

Thy roses fall like fire from skies above, 

Each prayer a spark that sets my heart alight, 

Thy voice a song that teaches me to love, 

To walk with Christ through sorrow into light.

Thy hand hath led me through the narrow gate, 

Where saints and angels tread in silent awe, 

Thy life, a mirror of the Savior’s fate, 

Thy heart, a flame that burns with holy law.

O Sister mine, in thee I’ve found my rest— 

My soul in Jesus through thy love is blessed.

3.  Modern English Sonnet

Saint Thérèse, my mother in the skies, 

You found me when my soul had lost its song. 

You taught me how the smallest love can rise, 

And how the weak in Christ are truly strong.

Your roses fall like whispers from the Throne, 

Each bloom a sign that Heaven hears my plea. 

You walk beside me though I walk alone, 

And show me how the blind in faith can see.

You gave me Christ when I had lost His face, 

You gave me peace when I had none to hold. 

You taught me how to walk with quiet grace, 

And how the meek inherit crowns of gold.

O Little Flower, bloom within my heart—

And never from my soul, O Saint, depart.

~ by Jeff Callaway

Texas Outlaw Poet

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