I came not for fortune, nor for fame.

I seek not to add glory to an unknown name.

I did not come under the shadow of night.

I came by day to fight for what’s right.

I shan’t let fear, my monstrous foe

Conquer my soul with threat and woe.

Here I have come and here I shall stay

No amount of fear my determination shall sway.

But tomorrow surely must come

And your enemy will still be there with the rising sun.

He’ll be there tomorrow, as all tomorrows in the past

And he’ll follow you into the future if you let him pass.

You’ve turned me down to humor him.

Ah! Your fate is sad and grim.

For even though your help I ask

Even without it I’ll finish my task.

Joyce Brown, age 16,

Freedom School, McComb, Mississippi, 1965


haggadah Section: Hallel