Charles Reznikoff

Charles Reznikoff (1894-1976) was born in the Jewish neighborhood of Brownsville in Brooklyn, New York, his parents were immigrants from Russia fleeing the pogroms of the 1880s. Charles studied both journalism and later law. He wrote a novel and plays along with his poetry. His first two volumes of verse, Rhythms (1918) and Rhythms II (1919) were both printed on a small press in his parents’ home.

Te Deum

Not because of victories

I sing,

having none,

but for the common sunshine,

the breeze,

the largess of the spring.

Not for victory

but for the day's work done

as well as I was able;

not for a seat upon the dais

but at the common table.

— Charles Reznikoff