Introspection

(on New Year 5778)

Quietude, melody,

Harmony, nuach,

Nigun,

Mediation, nusach,

Poetry, discourse,

Contemplation, reflection,

Rapport, warmth,

Goodwill, remembrance, Ruach, catharsis,

Individuality, existentialism, congregation,

Interfamiliarity, unity, fellowship

Ronda R. Scott-Marak

© 27 September 2017

Tashlich

(With thanks to Rabbi Jason Fenster for the inspiration)

I am but an atom in a sea of humanity, a single spark of the world’s heart;
I can not heal her on my own.

My actions are slow; I have stones in my shoes.

Pebbles as small as grains of sand wear away my good intentions,
my aims of learning, charity and deeds of loving-kindness:

Anger, Frustration, Envy, Despair, Sadness, Helplessness, Bitterness, Pride;
all are grit eroding my shields.

I need to stop and rest, empty my mind of distractions, remove my shoes.

Let all the gravel life has put in my path turn to grassy trails that lead to the water’s edge.

Let me open my heart and hands to cast my sins and sorrows upon the waters,
like breadcrumbs for the birds; only then can I walk again with purpose.

Ronda R. Scott-Marak

© 21 September 2017

Earth, Wind, Water, Fire

Mother Earth trembles
while the Anemoi blow widespread, circular patterns;
the Okeanides drop floods from the sky as the waves pound at fragile earth.

Hephaestus erupts in flame and heat, raining down fire;
burning everything in his wake.

Here we sit, asleep in our own worlds, in our own personal space;
praying for it all to stop and hiding our heads in quicksand.

Ronda R. Scott-Marak

© 7 September 2017