Eighth Grade

Then He called unto a thousand peoples and sum
moned the bravest among them;
They came from the ends of the earth each bearing
a gift and a hope;
The glow of adventure was in their eyes, and in
their hearts the glory of hope.
And out of the bounty of the earth and the labor
of men,
Out of the longing of hearts and the prayers of
souls,
Out of the memory of ages and the hopes of the
world;
God fashioned a nation, in love, blessed it with pur
pose sublime and called it, AMERICA.

Abba Hillel Silver

THE VESPERS OF A TREE
At evening time along the sea
I like to watch an ancient tree,
Where gently at the close of day
It bows its leaf y head to pray.

This is the Vesper Hour of trees;
There is an Angelus that rings
With sweetest music through the leaves-
An evening wind that softly sings.

Stand all alone and silently,
In mood of prayer and reverently,
And you shall see that gray old tree
At Vespers bowing wistfully.

You'll hear a whisper soft and low,
As of One speaking tenderly,
And in the wandering winds that blow
You'll hear God talking to that tree.

William L. Stidger

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