‘Poverello’ – the Life-story of St.Francis of Assisi (1181-1226)
The grace of God ’lone suffices
To help all persons live on earth,
A life, God-directed, divine,
And leave the world in happy state!
A wealthy merchant father’s son,
The boy was christened ‘Giovanni’
After ‘St.John, the Baptist’;
His name was changed to ‘Francesco’;
The lad grew up in lavish ways!
The boy was fond of songs in French-
Troubadours and French traditions;
He was a Roman Catholic,
But loved his Mother Nature much.
His father wished son be like him:
A wealthy businessman and great!
The boy grew up at first that way;
And led a group of raucous men!
His life was easy, staying rich;
He loved his fatherland, France;
He loved the romantic French songs;
War was one way to turn noble.
He joined the war ’gainst Perugia;
His many companions got killed;
He spent a year of dungeon life,
Resuming life of revelry!
Allured by glory, war could give,
He joined the Fourth Crusade again;
With fine a horse, costly armour,
He left for war, a clarion call!
But having galloped for one day,
He heard God talk to him in dream:
God bade him come back to his home;
And Francis obeyed God at once!
His angry father lost control;
He could not bear son’s cowardice;
He had to give up ‘right as heir’;
And led a life of fervent prayer!
God’s spirit took over his soul;
He started meditating much;
He kissed a leper’s hand to show –
‘All men are equal before God! ’
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poem by John Celes
Added by Poetry Lover
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