Pursuit for Equality in a Democracy

  The America I know would not have elected a convicted criminal as President.   The America I know would have leaders who put the Constitution first.    The America I know would have leaders who condemn white supremacy and all hate speech.   The America I know would not turn its back on longtime allies.    The America I know would not turn its back on her own people.    The America I know would happily tout her “melting pot” reputation.    The America I know wouldn’t forget that “All Men and Women Are Created Equal.”   The America I know would not have a leader kowtow to authoritarians.    The America I know would not deploy masked police into her cities.    The America I know would not kidnap her own citizens and residents no matter their color.    The America I know would remember due process.    The America I know would not rip a five-year-old from his home.    The America I...

The snow lightly falls on the icy streets.   Citizens out braving the cold.   Anger grows.   Their bravery even more.    Brown and Black neighbors snatched.   In broad daylight.   And the thick of night.      Car windows smashed.   Bodies bruised and battered.    While smoke fills the winter air,    Children cry from tear gassed in their eyes.    “Papers! Papers! Where are your papers!”   Ring throughout Minnesota’s streets!   ICE hearts are frozen.   And hatred clouds their minds.      Above the chaos.   An innocent soul floats.   A young mother taken too soon.    Her life will not be in vain.    For G-d’s love will reign.   

The news came on a January night.   Confusion, from the day before,   Would not dampen the excitement that awaits.    June would be the time.   But would it be a pink month or blue?   Come on Mom! Cut that cake!   Big sister waits!    So does Grandma, my Grandpas, Aunts, and Uncles.   Everyone crowds around.   But what? What did you say?   My little brother Noah is on the way! 

In spring, the crack of the bat will sound different. I’ll feel an emptiness at the ballpark.    And while I am watching the ocean water rushing upon the sand.    People will go on with their daily lives.    Rushing to the ballpark to catch a glimpse of their favorite Brave or Met.    Or arriving at the beach in the early morn surfboard in hand.   Looking to catch that one wave in the rising sun.    Never knowing that you blessed these waters decades before.   With your heart, soul, and of course, your surfboard.    Your kindness will not be forgotten.   Nor the love for your family.    I’ll see you on the beach’s horizon.    Surfing the clouds overhead

  Darkness Falls Upon the Earth As the day turns into night.   Our people start to gather.   To celebrate a miracle.   From two millennia ago.    When oil in the surrounded Temple.   Was meant to last only for a night.   But lasted for eight.      On a beach in Sydney.   And in the streets of Amsterdam.   The hatred against our beliefs.   The way we worship.   The way we celebrate.   Reared its naïve ugly head.   People with nothing.   But darkness in their hearts.   Tried to snuff out the menorah lights.   But that wouldn’t do.   Thanks to the bravery of a few.     So, on this night.   And for seven more.   Jews across the globe.   Lit their candles.   With family and friends.   Our hearts are heavy, but filled with love.   For the souls we lost    On this Hanukkah night.    

  The summer breeze turns to an autumn wind.    Laughter fills the air as the leaves flitter around.   She runs on the dock trying not to fall.   Hair blowing.   Turning around filled with glee.   Reminds me of Nordic summers that used to be.    Talking in a language.    Only known to her two-year-old self.   How she’s captured my heart!    And my soul.     I look down.   I see her arms stretched out.   Hands twitching back and forth.   She’s as beautiful as her mother.   Her smile warms my body.   Like a blanket on a cold night.      I pick the little one up.   Hold her tight in my arms.   She lays her tiny head on my shoulder.    “Grandpa loves you, Claire.”   A kiss on her cheek.    And she’s off running.    Waiting at the other end of the dock.   Is the only other girl.   Who has a hold on my heart.   For ...