when God drew breath (tsimtsum pantoum)

Before He spoke the word that gave world form
The God of gods drew in a deep, slow breath
Close to His heart, held fast and vastly warm,
A fresh-torn wound's infinite tenderness

The God of gods drew in a deep, slow breath
And spoke. Inferno bloomed where there was night
A fresh-torn wound's infinite tenderness
Aflame with what was, suddenly, called Light

And spoke inferno, bloomed where there was night
A Love supreme must damn as well as bless
Aflame with what was suddenly called: Light
Some souls fled, their own holy Names unguessed

A Love supreme must damn as well as bless
Love won't forget. To that abyss of loss
Some souls fled their own holy Names, unguessed,
By any, save the One who bore the cross

Love won't forget. To that abyss of loss,
He carried fire legitimately His.
By any, save the One who bore the cross
A whispered, "let it be" does not mean, IS

His whispered "let it be" is all there is;
Close to His heart, held fast and vastly warm,
He carried fire, legitimately His
Before He spoke the word that gave world form.