Three Meetings
by Vladimir Solovyov
English version by Ivan M. Granger
Original Language Russian
Triumphing over death from the start
Stilling time's unyielding wheel with love's art,
Eternal Beloved, your name is held in my heart.
Please hear my timorous song!
Free from the world's deceptive mind,
Beneath rough matter's rind,
I saw eternal violet, rich royal purple;
I discovered divine light...
Three times you gave yourself to my living sight --
No phantom, no mere mind's flight --
As omen, aid, and as award,
Your image answered my muffled call.