A Shabbos World

Across the setting sun
The cawing sound of a solitary bird,
Over a Shabbos, over a Shabbos world.
Hills and houses
Trees and sky -
Come from the west,
O Shabbos bride.

Listen to her footsteps
When day departs-
She envelops time - she fills all space -
She bends her head
Wearing a diadem of stars.

Listen - not far off
Or long away in the night -
The sound of voices,
The sound of songs,
The sound of the Levites' songs.

Across the setting sun
The flight of a solitary bird,
Over a Shabbos, over a Shabbos world.

The King's in the Field - Rosh Chodesh Elul

The King's
In the field today!
What good news!
I'll wear my best dress,
And put on my new white shoes.
I'll rush out to greet Him -
Try to be the first -
I've got something
Important to tell Him -
I'm so happy I could burst!
I'll tell Him
Not to go back to the Palace
Like He used to do -
I'll tell Him He has to stay with us,
'Cause He's our One and Only King,
And we're His one and only retinue!

The Mayflower Pilgrims - Modern-style

My ocean to cross -
My wilderness to face -
My plot of earth unyielding -
The enemy wields his weapon and waits,
The heavy toll my long cold winter takes.

But I struck down roots
In the measureless snow -
I survived the foe and the famine -
A fortress of faith was my inner defense -
I held up my soul to probe and examine.
How else defy the odds against
Unless I clung to my Rock in 'Plymouth'
And put my trust in Providence!