The Sixth Lamentation

‘L’Occupation’

April’s tiny hands once captured Paris,

As you once captured me: infant Trojan

Fingers gently peeled away my resistance

To your charms. It was an epiphany;

I saw waving palms, rising dust, and yes,

I even heard the stones cry out your name,

Agnes.

And then the light fell short.

I made a pact with the Devil when the

‘Spring Wind’ came, when Priam’s son lay bleeding

On the ground. As morning broke the scattered

Stones whispered ‘God, what have you done?’ and yes,

I betrayed you both. Can you forgive me,

Agnes?

(August, 1942)

Translated from the French by Father Anselm Duffy

Feast of Saint Agnes

Larkwood Priory, 21st January 1998