The Poet’s Spirit

To the Memory of Naphtali Herz Imber

NO dirge or solemn bell

We toll for thee, oh Voice,

Stilled by the sudden knell

That ends all mortal choice;

Thy tuneful spirit free of earth

Must ever more rejoice.

Like gull or petrel free

That soars o’er billows, brave,

Thy soul shall spring in glee

Above the narrow grave;

Thy hymns shall live while Zion lives,

While Israel’s banners wave.

As perched on mountain crags

The eagle finds a nest,

Free from earth’s binding rags

Wandering Soul take rest,

Till the full message of thy song

Thy brothers here attest.

Singers like thee on earth

Tuning the immortal lyre,

Old Nations give re-birth,

Hopes shattered, new desire;

Beacons that prove for doubting sons

Jehovah’s living fire.