Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, HATIKVAH-A SONG OF HOPE, by NAPHTALI HERZ IMBER


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HATIKVAH-A SONG OF HOPE, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: O while within a jewish breast
Last Line: "with israel's last son!""—"
Alternate Author Name(s): Imber, Naftali Herts
Subject(s): Hope; Jews; Zionism; Optimism; Judaism


O WHILE within a Jewish breast
Beats true a Jewish heart,
And Jewish glances turning East
To Zion fondly dart,—

CHORUS

O then our Hope—it is not dead,
Our ancient Hope and true,
Again the sacred soil to tread
Where David's banners flew!

O while the tears flow down apace,
And fall like bounteous rain,
And to the Fathers' resting-place
Sweeps on the mournful train,—

And while upon our eager eye
Flashes the City's wall,
And for the wasted Sanctuary
The tear-drops trembling fall,—

O while the Jordan's pent-up tide
Leaps downward rapidly,
And while its gleaming waters glide
Through Galilee's blue sea,—

And while upon the Highway there
Lowers the stricken Gate,
And from the Ruins Zion's prayer
Upriseth passionate,—

O while the pure floods of her eyes
Flow for her People's plight,
And Zion's Daughter doth arise
And weep the long, long night!—

O while through vein in ceaseless stream
The bright blood pulses yet,
And on our Fathers' tombs doth gleam
The dew when sun is set!—

Hear, Brothers mine, where e'er ye be,
This Truth by Prophet won;
"'Tis then our Hope shall cease to be
With Israel's last son!"—





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