IMAGINE

Imagine days before us, before our folks were born,
Everyday began at sunrise, or way before the morn.
Imagine all the people running miles to shul,
The roads were wet and bumpy, fallen trees were in the way
No street light on to guide them, nor yet the glimpse of day.
Imagine all those people, only children and wives at home

The thought is cold and yet it warms me
Giving me the strength to go on
I only hope this thought could teach me
Where to walk and where to run
I hear their stories and I wonder
I’m so secure yet look at me
Couldn’t this world have been a better place
If we were the way we used to be

Imagine a few possessions, I wonder if you can
A crust of bread for each to munch on
And off to school the children ran

Imagine each of these children…bringing home a friend to feed
They crowd around the table
Stretching out their hands
And Mother feeds potatoes
Scraping out the pan
She promises to the children “The day will come and we’ll have more”

The thought dry, and yet it fills me
Giving me strength to succeed
I only hope this thought could teach me
I mustn’t have what I don’t need
I hear their stories and I wonder

I’m so secure, yet look at me
Couldn’t this world have been a better place
If we were the way we used to be
Imagine dim lit classrooms…no doors to block the wind
No heat…not even windows…to let the sunshine in
Imagine all the Rebbes…warming children with a smile
The benches filled with splinters…the pages old and worn
Sweet little faces beaming…sound of Torah keep them warm

Imagine all those people…making their lives worthwhile

The thought is dark yet it enlightens me
Giving me strength to learn much more
I only hope this thought could teach me
Which satisfaction to look for
I hear the pain and tears of yesterday
And now a world of comfort faces me
Wouldn’t this world have been a better place
If we were the way we used to be?