Herschell Bek, "Moonlight" (1925)
that shone down
upon the head of Jesus
praying in the hushed solitudes
of the hills in Galilee.
This is the same moon
that looked down
in pale amazement
at the great betrayal
in the garden of Gethesemane.
This moon knew Jesus of Nazareth.
How else the miracle of healing
In the cool white fingers of moon-light
That transfigures with a loveliness
These mean streets and huddled houses of night
Into something touched with holiness?
How else the miracle of peace
In the quiet hands of moon-light
That so softly lie upon my tired eyes
And restless heart? O now I know
How the gentle hands of Jesus
Soothed the maimed bodies and weary hearts
Of those of long ago.
This moon knew Jesus of Nazareth.
Published in Opportunity, April 1925