A-Poem-a-Day Until Resurrection Day
I’M NOT JEWISH
except
that the sap
which
rises
from
sturdy old olive roots
flows
through the veins
of
this grafted branch
I’m
not Jewish
except
for my flesh
which
still shudders
at
the Shoah
(of sisters and brothers
of
the natural branch)
and
the same root
and
swears
I’d
have done something...
something
I’m
not Jewish
except
for my feet
which
have walked
the
holy, well worn pathways
in
Eretz Yisrael
except
for my fingertips
which
pressed petitions
between
stones
of
the Western Wall
except
for my ears
which
perk to the cantor’s
chanting
of the Shema
the
Aaronic Benediction
the
Kiddush
over
bread and wine
except
for my eyes
which
look
upon
the Lamb,
my
Atonement
except
for my lips
which
chant
ancient
baruchas
to
HaShem
I’m
not Jewish
except
for my heart
which
bears the cloven mark
of
circumcision
and
loves Yeshua,
the
Jewish Messiah
Who
was pierced
for
my transgressions
Who
shed
His
precious Jewish Blood
for
me
Maude
Carolan
