In the palace of the Hebrews, 

I thought I saw a man.

His skin was brown and brackish, 

His eyes had burnt to sand. 

The words of sacred truth,

The words of G-d’s command, 

Had been etched into his flesh, 

A holy firebrand. 

Though Peace was not his lot,

He bid the world Shalom,

A man whose wisdom taught, 

That we are not alone.

Akiva Akiva, burnt to rot, 

Did not curse back at Rome. 

Akiva Akiva, spent his thought, 

Pouring grace upon the throne. 

~

I have come here seeking, 

Things which cannot be sought.

I have come here searching, 

For something which maybe is not. 

Guided by my feelings,

Through this lonely world of thought,

Akiva give me teaching, 

Teach me things which cannot be taught.