University of Virginia Library

THE VOICE OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI

I saw St. Francis by a stream
Washing his wounds that bled.
The aspens quivered overhead.
The silver doves flew round.

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Weeping and sore dismayed
“Peace, peace,” St. Francis prayed.
But the soft doves quickly fled.
Carrion crows flew round.
An earthquake rocked the ground.
“War, war,” the west wind said.