When chaos lay beneath God's hand, And there was neither eve nor morn, The heavens answered His command, Broke into light, and day was born! Together sang the stars, and all The hosts of heaven chorus'd clear; Then deep to deep was heard to call A greeting to the first New Year. It was the Malchioth they sang, Proclaiming God the sovereign King: Through all the host of space it rang, And it will never cease to ring. Then send your voices from the shore Of time until all things are done:— "The Lord will reign forevermore! O! Israel, your God is One!" Remember, in this day of life, The thrilling memories of the past: He led you safe thro' fear and strife, And He will lead you to the last. From slavery He led you free, You children of His word and will, O'er desert waste and stormy sea He led you, and He leads you still. The blast of Shophar—hear it swell! O! Israel awake, arise! Remember, O! Remember well! "Remember!" soul to soul replies. O, hear the call! Eternity May touch your feet ere it be morn; Another year and you may be Beyond the sound of Shophar horn. The work of life unfinished lies: You ask a blessing—have you blest The bleeding heart, the weeping eyes, And to the weary given rest? Have you through this departed year The path of duty firmly trod, Not faltering, with doubt and fear, But trusting in the word of God? Behold, advancing from afar, An army terrible and fierce; Its banners blazoned for the war, Its spears aligned your hearts to pierce. Up! Up! and face the dreadful foe, For you have arms to make them flee— God-given arms to overthrow The sinful host and set you free! Then pardon, peace, and joy, and love, With happiness will fill your days, And God, who watches from above, Will bless you in your works and ways. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...FLUSH OR FAUNUS by ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING THE DESERTED PLANTATION by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR WHISPERS OF IMMORTALITY by THOMAS STEARNS ELIOT THE YOUTH WITH RED-GOLD HAIR by EDITH SITWELL THE WINDOW; OR, THE SONG OF THE WRENS: THE LETTER by ALFRED TENNYSON LEGENDARY LIGHTS by ALTER ABELSON STORM AT SEA (1) by ALCAEUS OF MYTILENE |