Alone

This poem by Hayim Nahman Bialik about the droves who left the yeshivos in his day always moved me. It is about the dedication and loneliness of those who remained in the beis medrash despite the overwhelming temptation outside its walls. I haven't seen it in years. Thanks to Out of Step Jew who directed me to the website.

See also the classic Ha-Masmid.

And, of course, the lullabye my mother used to sing me as a child.

I remember once hearing R. Ahron Soloveichik say that Bialik did teshuvah before he died. I find it hard to believe, but it makes sense.