Before we dive into these powerful stanzas, it helps to know where this voice is coming from. The soul speaking here has already made it through deep, painful trials. It has walked a narrow, difficult road—the same one Jesus talked about when He said the way to life is hard and few find it. But this soul has found it. It has reached a place of deep, transforming union with God—a love so complete it reshapes everything.

This book begins by presenting all the stanzas of the soul’s journey as a whole. Then, we’ll explore each stanza on its own. After that, we’ll unpack each line step-by-step to understand its meaning and weight.

The first two stanzas describe the soul being purified—first in its physical desires, and then in its inner, spiritual self. The other six stanzas reveal the strange and beautiful effects that follow this purification: the soul’s enlightenment, its union with God, and the overwhelming love that flows from that place.

The journey the soul sings about in these stanzas is often painful, hidden, and mysterious. That’s why it calls the road a dark night. But it’s a night lit by love—a night that leads straight to God. That’s why the soul sings, not with sorrow, but with joy.

Let’s listen.

1.

One silent night, my soul caught flame,
With love that burned beyond control.
I slipped away, unknown by name,
While peace fell deep upon my soul.

2.

In darkness, hidden, safe from sight,
I climbed a stair none else could see.
Disguised, alone, without a light,
The world asleep, I wandered free.

3.

It was a night of pure delight,
Where none could find or follow me.
No stars above, no lamp in sight—
Just love’s fire burning silently.

4.

That flame within shone clear and bright,
More true than noon’s revealing ray.
It led me straight into the night
Where He in secret chose to stay.

5.

O night that brought me to His side,
More lovely than the morning’s rise!
O night that saw our hearts collide—
My soul reborn in His own eyes!

6.

He lay upon my flowering heart,
A resting place for Him alone.
I held Him close, no need to part,
While cedars whispered, softly blown.

7.

The breeze blew down from tower high,
And brushed His hair as I drew near.
He touched my neck—I breathed a sigh—
And all my senses disappeared.

8.

I drifted deep, forgot my name,
My cheek upon the One I love.
The world grew still, without a claim,
And lilies bloomed in peace above.