Classic Poem

Tannenbaum, mit grünen Fingern

Now the fir-tree's long, green fingers
Tap against the window-pane,
And the moon, that quiet listener,
Sheds a flood of golden rain.

Father, mother, sleeping soundly,
Snore for hours without a break;
But we two, with lively chatter,
Keep each other wide awake.

" That you spend much time in praying
I've my doubts; for always there
Is a sneer about your features
That was never caused by prayer.

" Oh that sneer, so cold and evil,
Frightens me and terrifies —
But my terror seems to vanish
When I see your gentle eyes.

" And I doubt that you believe in
The inspired Faith of most.
Don't you worship God the Father,
And the Son and Holy Ghost? " . . .

" Ah, my child, while still an infant,
While at mother's knee I stood,
I believed in God the Father,
He whose rule is great and good.

He who made the earth we dwell on,
And the people here below;
He who made sun, moon and planets,
Teaching them the way to go.

" Then, my child, as I grew older,
My belief had but begun,
And I mastered many new things,
And I worshiped God — and Son;

" The Beloved Son, who, loving,
Gave us love to bless and guide;
And for his reward, as usual,
He was scorned and crucified.

" Now that I've matured and learned much,
Read and roamed from coast to coast,
Now my heart, with deep conviction,
Bows before the Holy Ghost.

" He has worked the greatest wonders,
And he works them still; he broke,
Once for all, the tyrant's power,
And he burst the bondman's yoke.

" All the ancient scars have vanished,
Justice takes its rightful place;
Now all men are free and equal
In a pure and noble race.

" Mists and every evil fancy
That had filled each night and day,
Cares that crowded out our gladness —
These have all been swept away!

" And a thousand armored champions
He has sanctified and sent
To fulfill his sacred mission,
Fired with their high intent.

" Lo, their splendid swords are shining
And their tossing flags are bright! —
What, my child, you long to look on
Such a proud and holy knight?

" Well, my child, come here and kiss me;
Look at me and you can boast
You have known just such a doughty
Champion of the Holy Ghost. "