For Hanuka by HN Bialik

For Hanukkah
H. N. Bialik

Father lighted candles for me;
Like a torch the Shamash shone.
In whose honor, for whose glory?
For Hanukkah alone.

Teacher bought a big top for me,
Solid (cast) lead, the finest known.
In whose honor, for whose glory?
For Hanukkah alone.

Mother made a pancake for me,
Hot and sweet and sugar-strewn.
In whose honor, for whose glory?
For Hanukkah alone.

Uncle had a present for me,
An old penny for my own.
In whose honor, for whose glory?
For Hanukkah alone.

Note: See the following links for my blog entries about "Operation Cast Lead:"

"Operation Cast Lead"

"A Not So Happy Hanukah"

Reb Barry