PostPoems Be Artistic. Be Creative. Be Inspired!

Saint Francis, poet.  had composed a hymn,

Played on a fiddle that he improvised,-

The hymn to Brother Sun we owe to him

He had composed it for the Lord, the Christ.



He called his cherished brothers wolf and bear,

And preached to them a little homily,

Addressing each of them: “Mon petit chèr frère”

“Be good and do behave - this is my plea!"



And then he preached to birds affectionately:

“Now listen little sisters  to my word,

Keep up your singing in the wood or lea,

To give due  praise and glory to the Lord!”



He is Protector Saint of animals,

That gather for his blessing once a year,

October 4th, when songs and madrigals

Are sung on high that beasts on earth can hear.



A devotée of Lady Poverty,

He sang devotedly this lady’s praise.

And she in turn - for his fidelity

Rewarded Francis with abundant grace.



Saint Francis charmed all nature, men and beast,

But for the Lord alone reserved his poetry.

When he the leprous beggar’s ulcers kissed,

He thrilled the realms of eternity



He called grim reaper death: “Ma Chère Petite Soeur“-

Dear little Sister Death - I fear thee not,

You are the gate that leads to the Seigneur,

The Sovereign, the loving Christ and God!”.



St. Francis, minnesinger poet sweet

That charmed all nature, men, and birds and beast,

Please exercise your magic spell we plead

To charm us on to Christ on this your Feast.



© Elizabeth Dandy



Oct.4th Feast of St. Francis of Assisi