Like a bird who rivers the air

I came upon some poetry by Christian mystics today. This poem in particular by Mechthild of Magdeburg struck me:

Effortlessly,
Love flows from God into man,
Like a bird
Who rivers the air
Without moving her wings.
Thus we move in His world
One in body and soul,
Though outwardly separate in form.
As the Source strikes the note,
Humanity sings -
The Holy Spirit is our harpist,
And all strings
Which are touched in Love
Must sound.

Certain types of Christians might read that poem and scoff at the mysticism of our union with God. But wasn't it Paul who said, "Nothing can separate us from the love of God"? So God and people are connected, and we are connected by none other than Divine Love.

I, with Paul, am convinced that nothing can separate us from this love. There are many theological details on which I am quite fuzzy - these days more than ever, perhaps - but of that I'm certain.

Another poem by Mechthild I like:

Of all that God has shown me
I can speak just the smallest word,
Not more than a honey bee
Takes on foot
From an overspilling jar.