What you hold, may you always hold

By Clare of Assisi

(1193? - 1254)

English version by Regis J. Armstrong, OFM CAP & Ignatius C. Brady, OFM

What you hold, may you always hold.

What you do, may you do and never abandon.

But with swift pace, light step,

unswerving feet,

so that even your steps stir no dust,

go forward

securely, joyfully, and swiftly,

on the path of prudent happiness,

believing nothing

agreeing with nothing

which would dissuade you from this resolution

or which would place a stumbling block for you on the way,

so that you may offer your vows to the Most High

in the pursuit of that perfection

to which the Spirit of the Lord has called you.

Poetry-Chaikhana