Priestly Poetry

From Bamboo Swaying in the Wind
Claudia Devaux & George Bernard Wong, S.J.

While recuperating in the infirmary
George Wong wrote Fr. Frank
“How beats your heart?”
He responded in verse beginning with this preface:

Wherein a Youth of old Cathay doth ask after
the health of his dear friend, the Priest,
and the latter doth respond accordingly
from his sick bed, the whole being
fashioned in meter of four feet.


A young man asks God’s anointed Priest,
Who was stricken down at a gladsome feast
Of rice and clothing for his refugee flock-
Gaunt and starving from warfare’s shock.

Yes, broken was he in the blossom of life,
While dreaming so fondly of chivalrous strife
For Christ his King and his lady above,
To whom he had vowed eternal love.

How fares your heart?
How fares your heart?

Glowing and fresh as an autumn dawn,
The lad’s bright soul enquires anon;
Eager for a sign from the priestly hand
That guided his youth toward the promised land.

His own heart kindles with the same emprise,
To battle for Christ through joy and signs;
His chase eyes cast on the Gleam afore,
Enchanting his steps to an unknown shore.

How beats your heart?
How beats your heart?

II.
O youth of Sinim and brother of mine,
Sealed by God with the coals divine;
Listen to the words I sing this night-
Stretched on my back in helpless plight.

Steeled is my heart in the soldier’s mould
Of knightly Ignatius, the captain bold;
Aflame is my heart with apostle’s grace
For the cherished millions of this olden race.

Thus fares my heart.
Thus fares my heart.

O youthful dreamer, look up on high,
At the Crucified Master against the sky;
Look at the purple breast heaving in pain;
As the scourged Heart pulses its tortured refrain.

Ah, measure your beat on this Heart of love!
Sorrow and tears as the Spring winds blow.
But laughter and life in that glorified place,
Where two hearts pulse in a timeless embrace.

Thus beats my heart.
Thus beats my heart.

(Thanks to Peggy Morris for sending this one in!)