On A Summer’s Day Poem by Hayyim Nahman Bialik

On A Summer’s Day

Rating: 3.0


When high noon on a summer’s day
makes the sky a fiery furnace
and the heart seeks a quiet corner for dreams,
then come to me, my weary friend.

A shady carob grows in my garden –
green, remote from the city’s crowds –
whose foliage whispers secrets of God.
Good my brother, let’s take refuge.

Pleasure and tenderness let us share
in the sweet hidden prime of noon,
and the mystery golden rays reveal
when sunlight pierces the rich shade.

When the black cold of a winter’s night
bruises you with its icy pinch
and frost sticks knives in your shivering flesh,
then come to me, blessed of God.

My dwelling is modest, lacking splendour,
but warm and bright and open to strangers.
A fire’s in the grate, on the table a candle –
my lost brother, stay and get warm.

When we hear a cry in the howling storm
we will think of the destitute starving outside.
We will weep for them – honest pitiful tears.
Good friend, my brother, let us embrace.

But when autumn approaches with rain and cloud
and the roof leaks and there’s moth in the heart
and the desolate world sinks, sullen, in mire,
then merciful brother, leave me alone.

I would be alone in the barren time
when the heart withers in slow decay.
Unseen. Unknown. No stranger understands.
Let me grieve alone in my silent pain.

COMMENTS OF THE POEM
paul amrod 20 May 2020

A wonderful combination of affection and Nature which make my heart glow. Thanks for posting this marvelous poet.

1 0 Reply
Ramesh T A 20 May 2020

At the hottest day getting asylum in the shade of garden treee is best sure! At he same time if you embrace friend and brother is good and broad indeed! Suffering alone in difficulty and enjoying with all when one is well off shows the broad nature of a good person whether the the is hot ot storm too comes! Thanks for sharing this poem here!

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Ratnakar Mandlik 20 May 2020

A great poet describing the greatness of the character that wants to share happiness and every good thing it has with friends but prefers to be left alone in rainy season with own pains and inconveniences. Well deserved classic poem of the day.

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Dr Antony Theodore 20 May 2020

My dwelling is modest, lacking splendour, but warm and bright and open to strangers. A fire’s in the grate, on the table a candle – my lost brother, stay and get warm. very fine poem. tony

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Ruta Mohapatra 20 May 2020

The last stanza is poignant! A nice poem of the day!

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Mahtab Bangalee 20 May 2020

I would be alone in the barren time when the heart withers in slow decay. Unseen. Unknown. No stranger understands. Let me grieve alone in my silent pain.....summer's day, pain, affliction step by step scorching the heart and soul feelings; decaying everything without fulfilling the desire for the long life on the summer earth.... greatly penned...

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Paul Amrod 20 May 2020

A wonderful expression of Nature and affection which touches make heart and rings my bell.

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