Classic Poem

Cottages whitewashed,
And cosy and neat,
Smilingly waiting
The spring feast to meet.
Happy-faced children
At play here and there,
Perfume and freshness
Of spring in the air.

Bashfully blushing,
The sun, like a bride,
Goes down in crimson
In Westland to hide.
Soft is the twilight,
And fragrant and still;
Little by little
The synagogues fill.
One by one kindle
The night's gleaming eyes;
Candles in windows,
And stars in the skies.

Ended in Shul is
The service divine;
Seder is started
With legend and wine.
Father is blessing
The night of all nights;
All who are hungry
To feast he invites.

" They who are homeless
Yet masters shall be,
Slaves who are this year —
The next shall be free! "
" Questions " by children,
And father's replies;
Playfully sparkle
The wine and the eyes.
Hymns of redemption
Sing, children, sing,
Queen is your mother,
Your father, a king.

Midnight. The Seder
Is come to an end;
Guardian angels
From heaven descend.
Each one a message
Of liberty brings,
Scattering blessings
Of peace from his wings.

Asleep is the townlet,
The field, and the lake;
Only the full moon
Above is awake.
Shedding a shower
Of silvery light
Guarding God's chosen,
God's people tonight.