SAND and STARS
The full moon is shining, the stars gleam resplendent,The night wings o'er mountain and vale;The Book of our people lies open before me,I read and re-read the old tale.
I read and re-read those words dear and holy,A voice seems to speak within me:“Thy people shall be like the stars in the heavens,Like sand on the shores of the sea.”
Dear Lord of the World, your sacred commandmentsNo power may ever displace;Your will is fulfilled the Universe over,Each thing has its time and its place.
And one has already seen light of fulfillment, I see it, I know it, alas! Lo, we have become like the sand which is strewen ’Neath the feet of all those who pass.
True, Lord, like sand and like stones are we scattered,The victims of scorn and the merciless sword;But the stars which you promised—all clear and resplendent,The stars—the stars! where are they, O Lord?