This poem was written as the horror in Ukraine unfolded and now today
another day, and new unimaginable horrors …and I cling to the gratitude
of neshama, which as I understand it, in Judaism, is the concept of the
beginning and essence of life and the soul itself and therefore somewhat
appropriate for the current nightmare in Israel as I….
Cling with gratitude and great gulping breaths, calming my horrified eyes
Trying to slow my anxious heart, and trembling fingers -
Grateful
I breathe fill my lungs, fill my stunned self with self-serving
Gratitude
for my supreme, unguaranteed privilege of safety
as with deep quavering breaths – I type in a quiet
room where faint bird song drifts through the window.
NESHAMA - UKRAINE
Neshama - Neshama - breath of life - sacred soul ...
sit in my bed at night - in the dawn of early morning
this helpless cheer-leader - pounding sunflower
pom poms - poems and pretty pictures -illuming my
unadulterated incompetence to truly assist - with each
breath - my shame - inhaled - my safe existence exhaled
as I sit - watching, watching, the soul of freedom furl
manifested in streets - one particled part of this entire
watching world who gather and cheer - some as simple
spectators at a novel televised event -this watching world
that sends a bit of support here and there as men learn
weapons and kiss loved ones off –
as mothers craft molotovs - babes at breast –
take arms or flight away - in the cold, cold -
smiling for children, tears flicked off tired eyes-
as a singular voice calm and measured rises above –
rises in a clarion call to all to come and join in protecting freedom sacrosanct -
calls in unwavering passion –
Neshama manifested –
in a leader in a people –
as the world watches - and watches and watches –
Neshama - Neshama -soul of breath - of life -
We are one - We are one breath -
I cringe in my privilege far far
away - push the button on my
coffee maker -return to
the couch along with millions
of others to watch - to watch -
Nesahama - Neshama
soul of humanity -
my breath held
witness to
Glory -
unstoppable
Neshama –
Breath
Soul
Life
