VA-ERA

The machinery of Egypt was immense,
A powerhouse of worldly wealth and skill,
Its life a never-ending spectacle
Of magic fascinating every sense.
Then why indeed should Par'oh reverence
An unknown Name that made no reference
To the material powers that seemed to fill
The earth -- a Name that seemed a name of nil?
Moshe himself but half believed the word
Which said: "I AM, eternal, as Par'oh
Shall prove, when I mix water, fire and air,
Repeal their laws which once I set, and tear
The veil of Egypt like a tawdry show --
Not thus even to Avraham I appeared."