A New Year Poem

Lord! We have battled our dybbuks!
Cast our bread upon the water,
sacrificed our lambs to slaughter,
fought off all our horrid horrors.

This year, too many
have rend their clothes,
in the dark that spreads and flows,
to open up their aching heart
so they may have another start.

We release our shadows
on these days we hallow.
Dear God, we lie prostate,
take our souls down from the shelves,
in the purity of white
we put out ourselves.

The heavy sadness
of all that’s done,
all those yesterdays,
we wish undone,
under the stars, under the sun
are laid out before You as one.

We pray our way throughout the days,
people dip and people sway,
color in our blank sheets,
grant us another year that’s sweet!
No difference, if we abide in tents
or living off the city streets.

We sing sweetly to you,
but our hearts carry a heavy tune
life’s been gray and life been blue.
We strive to part the heavens,
to find You, our guiding light
so we may have enlightened nights.

The days are drab and full of lines,
tired weeks, trying signs,
This year has aged before it’s time!
Come to us, our Lord!
We call forth your hand and sword.

We raise our horns
and stammer forth,
We call for you to unsheath your corn
and feed us your holy light,
bring us another healthy year,
help us find what’s good and dear!