"Standing with reluctant feet Where the brook and river meet." An organ swelling out its solemn measure, Its tones a-tremble on the morning air; An altar wreathed with fragrant buds of spring-time; A group of children, motionless in prayer. An earnest look upon the childish faces, So fair and innocent and free from guile; The boyish ones already brave and noble — The girlish faces, tender with a smile. In each a timid look of awe and wonder — A wish to scan the chart of time to be; To seek, perchance, some fairy-land of pleasure Within the bounds of bright reality. O future! Mystic realm of light and shadow! What will they find within thy portal grand? Does joy lie dreaming in thy moonlit meadow? Does happiness beside thy gate-way stand? What will young Israel in thee discover? What fate will mark its era on thy chart? The blight of apathy? — its mould and mildew? Or deeds dictated by a Jewish heart? These children — will they prove themselves as worthy The loving trust of parents and of friends? Will they sustain the dream that, in its beauty, The future with a tinge of glory blends? A group of angel faces hover o'er them, Enlisted by a mother's joyful tear — A group of loving angels of protection, Responsive to a father's hope and fear. The light of tapers falls in solemn splendor; A psalm is sung by some one — soft and low; And now a rabbi lifts his hands in blessing; Look at the picture, prithee, ere we go! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...MY DEATH AS A GIRL I KNEW by JAMES GALVIN A WINTER BLUEJAY by SARA TEASDALE ON THE COUNTESS OF PEMBROKE by WILLIAM BROWNE (1591-1643) BUDMOUTH DEARS by THOMAS HARDY HYMNS OF THE MARSHES: SUNRISE by SIDNEY LANIER LITTLE BOATIE'; A SLUMBER SONG FOR THE FISHERMAN'S CHILD by HENRY VAN DYKE |