Joseph Friedlander, comp. The Standard Book of Jewish Verse. 1917.
By Mrs. A. R. LevyGods Messengers
I
Since last thy voice I heard,
Since last the quivering of thy wings
The leafy branches stirred,
And freighted from its moss-clad home
Each gentle nestling bird?
When good ships went to sea;
And why was bent the tall stout mast—
The cordage rent by thee;
And why, when shattered bark went down,
Thy shout of victory?”
And lashed its waves to heaven,
While high before me on the surge
The hapless bark was driven,
And loud and fearful rose the cry
Of men from warm life riven,
In His all-powered hand,
The whirlwind that hath swept in might
O’er ocean wave and land;
I questioned not why such things were—
Can mortal understand?”
Nor cower like frightened dove;
Thou art the messenger of God,
Sent from the heights above.
Know thou art by the Father bid,
Thy God—and God is Love.