Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, I WOULD REPLY, by MILTON GOLDSMITH


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

I WOULD REPLY, by                    
First Line: If one should say, 'thou art a jew
Last Line: "the jew professed them long ago."
Subject(s): Culture Conflict; Israel; Jews; Judaism


IF one should say, "Thou art a Jew,
Of race for centuries downtrod!"
I would reply: "So was he, too,
Whom you've exalted to your God!
Is it a stigma kin to be
With him who preached in Galilee?"

If one should say, "What are the deeds
The Jew has done!" I would reply:—
"The corner-stone of modern creeds
Was laid by him in years gone by.
He broke the gyves of tyranny
And taught the world humanity!"

If one should say, "Thy cult is old!"
I would reply: "Why, so is Truth!
But like the brilliancy of gold
It still shines with untarnished youth.
Whatever truths your church may show,
The Jew professed them long ago."





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