Responsive Reading from Mechthild of Magdeburg (1210-1297), female German poet:

               Effortlessly, Love flows from God into humanity

               Like a bird who swims in the wind without moving her wings

               Thus we move in God’s world

               One in body and soul, though separate in outward form

               As the Source strikes the note

               Humanity sings

               God is our harpist

            And all strings which are touched by love must sound.