"Last Supper" by Pietro Perugino‘Who Are You and Who Am I’: An Easter Poem by Maria Panayi The Society April 20, 2025 Beauty, Culture, Poetry, Villanelle 2 Comments . Who Are You and Who Am I —a villanelle Who are you and who am I That you fill my life with light And for me you chose to die. I have fallen from on high, I am foolish, you are wise, Who are you and who am I? You are truthful, I can lie, You have rules I cast aside, And for me you chose to die. On your wings I learn to fly On this journey that’s called life Who are you and who am I? Now I have to wonder why, You are always by my side And for me you chose to die. I don’t deserve your sacrifice, But you have risen, brought new life, Who are you and who am I That for me you chose to die. . . Maria Panayi was born in Cyprus before the Turkish invasion but now lives in the UK as her former home is under occupation. She is now retired after working for many years supporting children with special education needs. NOTE TO READERS: If you enjoyed this poem or other content, please consider making a donation to the Society of Classical Poets. The Society of Classical Poets does not endorse any views expressed in individual poems or commentary. ***Read Our Comments Policy Here*** 2 Responses Russel Winick April 20, 2025 A simple yet deeply eloquent and moving poem. Perfect for the day. Thank you. Reply Margaret Coats April 20, 2025 This subject, the mystery of encounter between two persons who discover one another, is well suited to the villanelle with two refrains. Maria, you’ve chosen the most significant of all encounters for this apparently simple poem, the meeting of God in Christ with a sinful soul in desperate need of light and life. The language is childlike, as is the wonder at the divine sacrifice and the gracious benefits received by the speaker. You express Easter surprise at what Our Lord has wanted to give us, and indeed won for us through his life-giving death. The long “I” sounds for both rhymes imply attention and concentration on the marvel that finally comes to direct expression in the poem’s final lines. Beautifully done! Reply Leave a Reply Cancel ReplyYour email address will not be published.CommentName* Email* Website Δ This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Russel Winick April 20, 2025 A simple yet deeply eloquent and moving poem. Perfect for the day. Thank you. Reply
Margaret Coats April 20, 2025 This subject, the mystery of encounter between two persons who discover one another, is well suited to the villanelle with two refrains. Maria, you’ve chosen the most significant of all encounters for this apparently simple poem, the meeting of God in Christ with a sinful soul in desperate need of light and life. The language is childlike, as is the wonder at the divine sacrifice and the gracious benefits received by the speaker. You express Easter surprise at what Our Lord has wanted to give us, and indeed won for us through his life-giving death. The long “I” sounds for both rhymes imply attention and concentration on the marvel that finally comes to direct expression in the poem’s final lines. Beautifully done! Reply
