The Sabbath (dedicated with much love to my mother)
On the Sabbath Eve
my mother’s hands circulate above
and around the flickering candles,
wafting the pungent smoke
toward her face and up to heaven
as she murmurs prayers to God,
The Holy one is He.
She remembers
parents, family, and friends
now departed from this world
and she prays in silence
for children gone astray:
‘Protect them Oh Lord,
for they are lost.
Give them the strength to find Your path.
Bless all children in all generations;
may they find love and live good lives.
Amen.’
Tears of joy and sorrow
fill her eyes.
The Sabbath has begun.
