Despite their importance , the poems of St. Therese of Lisieux are among the least known of her writings , previously available only in highly edited selections . Here for the first time in English is the complete collection of Therese's poetry , faithfully translated from the French critical edition by Donald Kinney , O.C.D. A general introduction to Therese's spiritual and poetic development , and individual introductions to each poem indicating its background and significance are also included . The volume closes with an index of the major themes and images . Together with the CPC editions of St. Therese of Lisieux's Story of a soul , Last Conversations , Letters , this is an indispensable work for all who love the life and spiritual message of " the greatest saint of modern times.