Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE JEWISH NEW YEAR, 5660, by CARROLL RYAN


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE JEWISH NEW YEAR, 5660, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: When chaos lay beneath god's hand
Last Line: Will bless you in your works and ways.
Alternate Author Name(s): Ryan, William Thomas Carroll
Subject(s): Holidays; Jews; Memory; New Year; Peace; Judaism


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...
Home: PoetryExplorer.net