The day my brother was born, I was torn –
already 16 years old
on the cusp of college & adult life
he was so precious
he kept me close to home
in mind & soul
even though the family fell apart
I keep him close to my heart
worry about him, but know that
he’s my blood & I’d go to the gates of Hell
to protect him.
What is happiness?
It’s sitting in the comfy chair in the reading nook, next to you while you work away at your desk. It’s our pup laying behind your chair, chewing his favorite toy, completely at peace. It’s our baby girl, purring away sitting on the ottoman next to my feet.
Happiness isn’t money or the nicest things the world has to offer.
Happiness is your kind and loving heart, loving me forevermore.
I knew nothing of Shabbat before you
or the prayers we say on Friday nights
as we break off pieces of challah + let the candle
burn all night by the window –
I’m happy you’ve taught me, it’s brought me
a new ritual in this life, the life we share together.
(Photo source: shutterstock.com)
We’ve been together for two years
and it keeps getting better –
I know you well, but will I ever know you completely?
Your essence, sense of self, the core of you
that’s hidden and accessible only to you and God
but as the days go by, more is revealed
and it keeps getting better.
The wild gardens in our neighborhood grow onto sidewalks
weeds choke out flowers in front of beautiful homes
near the synagogue we wish to visit whenever
this virus stuff is over –
wild gardens, with daisies and wildflowers
that remind me of your wild spirit + ceaseless bravery.
(Photo by Scott Webb on Unsplash)
Heavy boxes stacked in the bedroom,
you’re moving again, amid the pandemic.
We’ll see another part of Philly, add to
the memories we’ve made – even if we’ll
be wearing masks and hunkering down.
We’ll find a new coffee shop, we’ll walk new
streets, taking pictures every so often
that’ll be in a book next year that celebrates
our time together.
(Photo by Josh Hild on Unsplash)
For Rachel Forth
The summer days are long and there’s still light outside
when we roll the dough and dance in the kitchen while
making stromboli – you lead the way, but teach me too –
you make it like it’s second-nature to you, a true cook,
and I’m your student – all I can make is scrambled eggs.
Continue readingHave you ever loved someone so much that a part of you feels missing when you are away from them? It’s not a co-dependency matter, but like you’re missing something without them?
Continue readingPrayer has always been a major part of my life. I remember kneeling next to my bed as a little girl to pray. I even loved when I was old enough to lead my family in our dinner prayers, which sometimes felt like a sermon because I got lost on tangents and just love talking (even to God)!
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