Transfiguration
by Raïssa Maritain
When I have vanquished you,
Oh my life, oh my death,
When I am free of the hard pull of joy
And I have gained my heavenly liberty,
When I have chosen the hardest way,
My heart will rest in the balance of grace,
But I shall retain you, love,
Retain from you not death, but life,
And I shall discover you, happiness,
Having given the Lord the whole of myself.
Like a prosperous ship, her cargo intact,
Which safe into harbor comes again,
I shall sail to heaven with transfigured heart,
Bearing human gifts made free from stain.
