Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, TEPHILLIN, by AARON SCHAFFER


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

TEPHILLIN, by                    
First Line: Erect he stands, in fervent prayer
Last Line: Knows all he can and e'er will know.
Subject(s): God; Jews; Prayer; Judaism


ERECT he stands, in fervent prayer,
His body cloaked in silken Tallis;
He seems a king, so free from care,
His wife a queen, his home a palace,
His arm and head, his brawn and brain,
He dedicates to God in Heaven;
For Him he suffers toil and pain,
Endures whatever lot he's given.

Around his arm seven times is wrapped
A wide phylactery, glistening thong;
His shaggy, curly hair is capped
By still another, tough and strong.
These bands he wears while soft he prays,
Devoting strength and mind to God;
His body slowly, gently sways,—
He walks the ground his fathers trod.

This daily commune with the Master
Lifts him above mere common clay;
The Jewish heart, like alabaster,
Grows pure and purer every day,
For he who loves a Higher Being
Must love all creatures here below;
And he who knows there's one All-Seeing,
Knows all he can and e'er will know.





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