Poem of Feelings (3)
In this lecture, His Holiness Pope Shenouda III recalls a memorable meeting with Sheikh Muhammad Metwali Al-Sha’arawi, where they shared a heartfelt conversation about poetry and creativity. Sheikh Al-Sha’arawi requested a copy of the Pope’s poetry book, which His Holiness gladly presented to him. Later, during a national gathering to congratulate President Hosni Mubarak for surviving an incident, the Sheikh told the Pope he had read the entire book and asked him to recite his latest poem.
With humility and poetic depth, the Pope replied, “My last poem has not yet been written,” expressing that inspiration and creativity are ongoing journeys. He then shared verses about human emotions, explaining that every person is essentially a collection of feelings — the true essence of humanity.
His Holiness described how these emotions are not temporary but live within the soul, dwelling in one’s heart, mind, and very being. They appear in a smile, in laughter, and in tears, flowing like blood within us whether we realize it or not. These emotions accompany us in our waking moments and in rest, inseparable from who we are.
Through these words, the Pope revealed a profound spiritual vision of humanity — that purity and sincerity of emotion are what make us reflect the image of our Creator, capable of love, compassion, and generosity. Without feelings, one ceases to be truly human, for emotions are the language through which hearts communicate and connect with God and others.
For better translation support, please contact the center.
