The earth grows still
the lurid sky slowly pales
over smoking borders.
Heartsick, but still living, a people stand by
to greet the uniqueness of a miracle.
Readied, they wait beneath the moon
wrapped in awesome joy, before the light.
A girl and boy step forward,
and slowly walk before the waiting nation:
In work garb and heavy-shod
they climb
in stillness.
Wearing yet the dress of battle, the grime
of aching day arid fire-filled night.
Unwashed, weary unto death, not knowing rest,
but wearing youth like dewdrops in their hair
silently the two approach
and stand,
are they of the quick or of the dead?
Through wandering tears, the people stare.
"Who are you, the silent two?"
And the reply, "We are the silver platter
upon which the Jewish State was served to you."
And in speaking, fall in shadow at the nation's feet.
Let the rest in Israel's chronicles be told.
Written by Natan Alterman, included in Mishkan T'filah
Baruch Ata Adonai Elo-hei-nu me-lech ha-olam a-sher ke-d-sha-nu b- mitz-vo-tav, v-tzi-va-nu al s-fi-rat ha-omer.
Praised be you Adonai our God who rules the Universe instilling within us the holiness of mitzvot by commanding us to count the Omer.
Today is the twentieth day of the Omer.