HOW shall we spend, O Lord, Our priceless heritage; The wealth of Holy Writ (Thy Word), Bequeathed from age to age. How shall we use the garnered store Of Israel's ancient song and lore? Shall we, like misers, hoard The jewels in our care; The gems, by Seer and Prophet stored, That all mankind might share; The law from Sinai's summit hurled To speak in thunder to the world. Shall we not spread broadcast This wealth that shall endure? These seeds of Faith, that in the past Burst into blossoms pure: Whose roots were nourished through the years By martyred Israel's blood and tears. Heirs or thy Love are we, The First-born, chosen race; Holding in trust the legacy No tyrant can efface! Life of our life, breath of our breath, Outliving scorn, and hate and death! O let our Fathers preach Thy glory and Thy fame! O let our tender mothers teach Their babes to lisp thy name; That Israel in each coming age May claim its precious heritage! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...ON BRODSKY'S COLLECTED by MICHAEL S. HARPER DAWN by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON TO JOHN BROWN by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON TO SAMUEL COLERIDGE UPON HEARING HIS 'SOME I FEEL LIKE A MOTHERLESS..' by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON |