"No state is given to a
people on a silver platter" -
Chaim Weitzmann
First President of the State of Israel
The earth grows still.
The lurid sky slowly pales over smoking borders.
Heartsick, but still living, a people stands by to greet the
uniqueness or the miracle.
Readied, they wait beneath the moon,
Wrapped in awesome joy before the light.
...Then, soon,
A girl and boy step forward,
And slowly walk before the waiting nation.
In work grab and heavy-shod they climb
In stillness.
Wearing yet the dress of battle, the grime
Of aching day and fire-filled night
Unwashed, weary unto death, not knowing rest,
But wearing youth like dewdrops in their hair.
Silently the two approach,
And stand.
Are they of the quick or of the dead ?
Through wondering tears, the people stare.
"Who are you, the silent two?"
And they reply:
"We are the silver platter
Upon which the Jewish State was served to you."
And speaking, fall in shadow at the nation's feet.
Let the rest in Israel's chronicles be told.
