Teresa of Avila

Teresa of Avila (1515-1582) was  a Spanish mystic, Carmelite nun and reformer. She led an extraordinary life during the period of the Spanish Inquisition, and was not immune to their pressures. Notwithstanding, she established numerous convents and was a prolific writer.

Teresa's self-described stages of realization are discussed very well at (in the Mysticism section):

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teresa_of_Avila

This description of her series of four stages clearly indicates the depth from which she not only wrote but lived.

Her poetry is written from her experience of Divine Love, but, today I have chose two selections which reflect her sense of humor:

LAUGHTER CAME FROM EVERY BRICK

Just these two words He spoke

changed my life.

"Enjoy Me."

What a burden I thought I was to carry -

a crucifix, as did He.

Love once said to me "I know a song,

would you like to hear it?"

And laughter came from every brick in the street

and from every pore

in the sky.

After a night of prayer, He

changed my life when 

He sang.

"Enjoy Me."

NOT YET TICKLED

How did those priests ever get so serious

and preach all that

gloom?

I don't think God

tickled them 

yet.

Beloved - hurry.

trans. Daniel Ladinsky