From Contemplations: Columns in the Romanesque Cathedral of Autun

1. Roots of trees are dragons from which the bark, drawn by light, ascends, bears branches, leaves, flowers, fruit, evolves to invisible being.

out of the invisible into the visible into the invisible.

2. In human being, similar rhythms, directions, in inner process. Roots are barely joined to Earth: Through the breath the 'I' may thrust upward but only after infinite striving, the upright head, the haloed hair, and all enveloped in invisible being.

From invisible to visible to invisible.

Here is more difficult creation wrought in anguish, in conscious disciplined unwavering endurance at every moment a trial of the 'I' to transform weakness, fear, passion, pain, —the ravaging demons, into the light-filled vertical.

3. Thus, dragons at the base of Romanesque columns: Then the thrust upward in rhythmic phases: leaves entwining demons human being angels columns crowned by the CHRIST.

Bodied forth struggle and insight in image.

All freedoms are wrung from confrontation with conflict which engraves itself on the physical: EN—GRAVE: having to do with death —and resurrection.

Daisy Aldan (1923-2001) was poet, teacher, translator, editor, anthroposophist, and more. In Passage was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize. Thinking of Easter, R.Z. Balchowsky submitted this poem by Daisy. Images are from the Cathedral at Autun, France; above, left and right, from “The Last Judgment,” and below, right, “Eve.”