De profundis clamavi ad te, Domine... Beneath the moon’s pale vigil, my spirit groans, Triplets of tears upon the grave of every hope I’ve known. Deep calls to deep in the roar of Thy waterfalls, All Thy waves and breakers have swept over my soul. O God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken me in this night? My tears have been my food, day and night I cry, Yet still I wait — O Keeper of my life — My prayer ascends like incense in the dark. De profundis... Miserere... Then a little meadow opens in the wood of night, Soft steps, a minuet of mercy in the pale moonlight. He makes me lie down where the still waters sing, He restores my weary soul with the gentlest string. Then the heavens tear — the deep heaves up its rage, Gales of black fire sweep like chariots of the age. I wrestle Thee in darkness till the breaking of the day, Though Thou slay me, yet will I trust, I will not turn away! Ride forth, O Rider on the storm! Draw me from many waters, lift me from the pit! The cords of death entangled me, the torrents pulled me down, But Thou reached from on high — and set my feet on solid ground. De profundis… Kyrie eleison… And the moon still shines on the waters, calm at last, Deep has answered Deep… And I am held. Amen.
