The Yeshiva at the End of the Universe & other poems

The Yeshiva at the End of the Universe

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In the yeshiva, at the end of the universe,

Where Aver, with Shem,

Guide rare, awakened minds,

Illuminations garbed in generations’ determination,

Wrapped in international understanding,

Combine, spin, somehow, umesorot.

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Tapping insular Yitzok,

Extroverted Avraham,

Also Baby Yaakov,

Blending, moreover bequeathing, teachings to Yoseph,

Until inspiring his offsprings’ full two hundred years’ stay,

Keeping tight the triple cord of precious birthright.

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With those escorts, we sojourned among enemies,

Holding fast our covenant, when in Egypt.

Our names, clothes, and words derived

From that deep awe inscribed in Rachel’s boy,

Fourteen full years separated from Shemyim’s whispers, as those musics make sleep.

His fortification, in turn, benefited us through the Shevatim.

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Those precious motes, of Yisrael’s son, encapsulated life,

Plus primed creation for our kingdom of priests,

Mitzvot,

Furthermore, divine wisdom.

In school, and at the Shabbot table,

We still murmur righteousness to trump human “judgments.”

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Meanwhile, our children, wise in innocence, know

Sometimes bad seed, if energy- invested,

Or the chipped, crude mug of steaming sagacity,

In a single instance, can transform us all

To worthiness enough for being saved

From floods, falling towers, as well as failed dynasties.

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Such sips,

Passed forward,

Enable us to survive,

Make us remember

That this span of days, this galut,

Won’t be anything like infinite.

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In the Room (of the Boy in Kita Bet)

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Under my snood, lice danced,

A week or so after we broomed,

The tarantula in the room.

(Of the boy from kita bet).

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Now mosquitoes play,

Malign gifts cursed,

By a sewage pipe burst.

(In Ramallah).

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Other insects, hair slicked, arms taunt,

Ride our mehadrin bus,

Exuding hate among us.

(Toward their fenced village).

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I understand why lizards run,

Why cats cling,

Tenacious in their bringing.

(Life from refuge dumps).

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Bless you every soldier,

Khaki, taupe, and plain,

I watched you trigger, painfully.

(When jumping a different bus).

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My children need your speed.

Worse creatures,

Than wolf spiders teach.

(Stalking, this Holy Land).

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Upon the Generations: The Necessity of Prayer in Israel

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When planted, certain sprouts,

Pull fantasies out from

Heavenly storerooms.

Such shoots cast reality.

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Here planted, certain sprouts,

Push about distance rages building

Worldly Aspirations

Such shoots call dreams.

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Where planted, certain sprouts.

Dispel eponymous doubt while

Linking our time to eternity.

Such shoots convene Creation.