How sweet it were, if without feeble fright,
Or dying of the dreadful beauteous sight,
An angel came to us, and we could bear
To see him issue from the silent air
At evening in our room, and bend on ours
His divine eyes, and bring us from his bowers
News of dear friends, and children who have never
Been dead indeed,--as we shall know forever.
Alas! we think not what we daily see
About our hearths,--angels that are to be,
Or may be if they will, and we prepare
Their souls and ours to meet in happy air;--
A child, a friend, a wife whose soft heart sings
In unison with ours, breeding its future wings.
My grandfather taught me this poem when I was 5- he was an autodictat, spiritual leader of his community (Jewish) and major supporter of Father Flannigan Boys Home (Catholic) where he was raised for a while. It was recited at his funeral, my mother'; s and hopefully will mer at mine. Nicely summarizes one fo the fundamental tenets of Judaism- " Heal the World" by helping others, the environment, and peace.
Sacrilegious poem, Here you have someone that is told by the angel the his name is not in the book of gold and you have to love God to be in it. He does not bow down and ask forgiveness he continues to say he just loves his fellow man and is placed #1 in the book. A lie from the pit of. The greatest commandment is to love thy father God not thy neighbor.You have Abou in the book of gold and he does not even love God probably curses his name every day.
And how does one demonstrate love of God? Surely by loving one’s fellow man! Have you perhaps missed the point attempted by the poet?
I am 75 years old and my mom recited this poem to me as a little girl and many times growing up. In 1985, I asked her to write it down for me, which she did. I then hand printed it out in calligraphy, had it framed and gave it to her for her birthday. It once again is mine and hangs on the wall in the guest bedroom. I wish I had asked her why she had memorized it. I was surprised when I found your website and the poem. Her hand written poem was exactly like the one on your web site; punctuation, capitol letters and spelling. etc. Loving daughter, Carren 2016
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
unforgettable beautiful poem. Describe the ways to love.