1 post tagged “sophia”

Sophia was a princess in a distant eastern land,

a daughter of the fifties, born to luxury and power.

Her birth in late September caused rejoicement in the realm

(a long awaited heiress meant a public holiday).

The world required perfection, and she didn't disappoint:

as pretty and precocious as a princess ought to be.

As she blossomed she attracted attention from the sort

of suitor that her parents preferred she should avoid.

They sent her off to visit all the wonders of the world,

with diplomats and chaperones, with valuable gifts,

to meet with handsome princes, to foster good relations

with wealthy countries near and far, but mainly to receive

An expensive education in Italy and Greece.

Rhetoric, astronomy, Latin, Greek, geometry:

intelligent and studious she mastered every one.

She memorised the Scriptures, she argued with the clerics.

In the month she came of age came a military coup.

Her parents sought asylum, assassins sought her parents.

They hid in Alexandria, but died within a year.

Sophia, frightened, fled to Rome, where friends gave her a home.

Her beauty and her (modest) wealth, her intellect and wit

ensured she soon was noticed by the fashionable set.

Late nights, strong drink, too many cakes were harmful to her health.

She dreamt the Good Lord came to her, and brought her back to Life.

Sophia said: No-one can teach the Truth, it comes to you.

In quiet moments you will find the Word you seek made clear.

.

Sophia said: Don't let the priests claim knowledge of the Lord.

The Lord reveals to everyone the things they need to know.

Sophia said: The priests are wrong. Repentance doesn't work.

You need to make amends for any injuries you do.