The leader

He strides ahead.
In his wake
They all tread.
At the lead
He alone
Reaches the crossroads.
Solitary
He stands
At the summit’s peak.
He sees the Abyss,
He sees
The Promised Land.

Vision and doubt
Grapple in his soul,
Hope and despair
Upon his countenance flicker,
The Heavens and the depths
Merge in his eyes.

Yet to his flock
Who follow
In simple trust
Only his back is seen --
His towering shoulders
From their eyes coceal
The Chasm.

From the Hebrew by Yanki Tauber

Click here for the Hebrew Original - המקור בעברית

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