Joseph Friedlander, comp. The Standard Book of Jewish Verse. 1917.
By William DearnessSunshine After Storm
T
A fox the holy ruins treading,
Expanding griefs their bosoms fill,
Who suppliant hands to heaven are spreading.
Akiba marks the fox descending;
Exulting, waves aloft his staff;
His ill-timed mirth his friends offending.
His holy place wild beasts infesting.
Such would indignant pity rouse,
If grace be still within thee resting.
Her doom of trouble we’re beholding.
Join you with what another skilled
In heavenly purpose, is unfolding.
Who Salem’s glory sees in vision,
Of men and dames whose hundredth year
Abounds in peace and rich provision.
Whom God would choose, He first must chasten,
Let Israel faith and hope employ
His higher destiny to hasten.