best not to begin with hubris
lest you spend your hours
needlessly suffering over inconsequences

the gates may have closed
but the kitchen window is open
to birdsong and breezy sunshine

Yom Kippur

awaken!
there are embroidered spades and broken sticks all around
that need your loving and grateful attention

photo by Stephen Bugno

Yom Kippur

nausea and headache hold still
the gates are closing soon
and our map is incomplete

our pens may be dry
but we still hold our pencils
to inscribe our names in your guestbook

location, options, labels
return us to clearheadedness
if we are reasonably diligent

it is the effort that is wanted
when you send your feedback
and we scribble our impermanent signature

Endeavor

on every corner in town
groups look up hoping
to share a moment

i thank you God for most this amazing

written & read by e.e. cummings

Rosh Hashanah

instead of a severed head
to accompany our blessed meal
spread a bed of tender greens

commit to ingesting less
death, and by this time next year
your heart will be lighter

Rosh Hashanah

hot wind sends unfriendly signals
but I know you are waiting with love
for my unready return