(by A. V. Deitch)
They told you I was a Jewish mother:
Adam's rib,
Portnoy's complaint,
The rage of Persia,
And the fall of Rome,
Fit only to bow down
And wash the feet
Of the holy ones
Some of what they say may be true,
But they forgot to tell you my name.
My name is Aleph,
In the beginning, I was there.
My name is Beth
I made a home for my husband
and our children
My name is Nuhn
May they want for nothing
For their needs be filled
My name is Gimmel
The whole world will hear their blessings.
My name is Hay and Chai
Because I am only one half
Of life
My name is Sheen
Because together we can
make a glow that warms the earth.
My name is Shalom
Greetings, and welcome to my heart.
My name is Chai
Wear it in good health.
My name is Hatikvah
Flowing lullabies and labour tunes.
My name is Talmud
Look in my eyes,
Consider what they say.
My name is Torah
Five books, five fingers on each hand, to
hold to the world, our fingers touching,
side by side
My name is Shalom Aleichem -
It's been my pleasure,
Go, peace to your heart,
I trust you
Will be returned, unharmed.
********************
E/N: the image is another view if Chihuly's "Northwest Room"
YOU ARE READING
Val's Book
Poetry{Poetry} CHANGING THE WORLD - ONE POEM AT A TIME! Poetry and prose by Aleta Valentine Burns Deitch, b. Walkerville Ontario 1921, d. Toronto Ontario 2011; Biochemist, Nursery School Teacher, Editorial Assistant, Co-op President; lifelong activist for...
