National Poetry Month - a papal poet

April is National Poetry Month.

Today is the anniversary of Pope John Paul II’s death.

In his younger days, he was a respected poet. Here’s one of his to mark the day and the month.

Over This, Your White Grave

Over this, your white grave
the flowers of life in white—
so many years without you—
how many have passed out of sight?
Over this your white grave
covered for years, there is a stir
in the air, something uplifting
and, like death, beyond comprehension.
Over this your white grave
oh, mother, can such loving cease?
for all his filial adoration
a prayer:
Give her eternal peace—
[Krakow, spring 1939]