Classic Poem

Loudly and sadly, one stroke on another,
Sang the bell to the slumbering world...
Just like the tocsin when fire is approaching,
Long and loudly it pealed.

Sang now with threats, with persuasive endearment, –
Trembling, it sobbed, with a bitter complaint –
Thunder pursuing, or story from childhood –
Into the silent darkness it fell.

Promise it hinted of man's resurrection,
Sounded the sorrowful tidings of death, –
Wilderness fervor cried out in darkness, –
Thirst for forgiveness, revenge...

Sang in the night, and the holiday morning,
Laughed with the storm, and in silence it wept;
Only an echo sang back from the forest –
Not from the slumbering soul.

Just like the tocsin when fire is approaching
Sang the bell to a world without heed...
Loudly and sadly, one stroke on another,
Vainly it pealed about God.