Stephen D'Evelyn

O Greenness

O greenness

rooted in the calm disc of the sun

and shining beyond the grass and shrubs and still, leaning trees like our thin shadows stretching in late spring afternoon light, 

like paths worn through the golden brambles, 

like the grey-blue river rippling onto the red-brown shining mud

and beyond all these, held by God's love beyond love. 

(inspired by ‘‘O nobilissima viriditas’’ by St. Hildegard of Bingen) 

Stephen D'Evelyn received a PhD in Medieval Latin Literature from Cambridge where he was supervised by Professor Peter Dronke. He taught at Harvard Divinity School, Providence College, and the University of Bristol where he now works as the casework coordinator and special rep for disability for the Bristol branch of the University and College Union. He and his wife Rachel have three children. He is active in the ''Laudato Si'' movement working for climate and social justice through the Catholic Church. With co-editors Bill and Jane Flynn, he is finalizing an edition and commentary on Hildegard of Bingen's Symphonia, forthcoming form OUP. He is working on a short collection of lyrics responding to regular practices of prayer and contemplation of nature.