Joseph Friedlander, comp. The Standard Book of Jewish Verse. 1917.
By Alter AbelsonBlessing the Lights
S
Holding candles ranged in line,
Stand on snowy tablecloth,
Near the Sabbath bread and wine.
Six white candles, one for each
Dear and loving, living child,
When the twilight hours reach
And in festive robes arrayed,
Spreads her palms before her eyes
Moistened by the tears that strayed;
Some ethereal beauty plays
Round her lips as, nodding, she
In a plaintive murmur prays,
And her face begins to shine,
And her brow with grace is haloed
And transfigured, calm, divine
“Lord of life and joy and light,
Man whose flame of life is short
Makes his light all clear and bright.
Love Thee, doing Thy behest,
Fed on manna of the Bible,
Nourished by the Torah’s breast.
Happy in a life lived whole;
Lived in honor, labor, love,
Lived in holiness of soul.
But to all you deign your grace;
Make my children little lights,
Lighting well their little place.
Love-flames burning far and free;
Lights of love and lights of virtue,
Shining, beaming, God, for Thee,”