Pursuit for Equality in a Democracy

  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 ...

 

      When we met, my heart was broken by another.   You put the pieces back with love and tenderness.   The love we built created another.    Before we took our vows   You promised to always be there.    That you’d protect my heart.   Till death do us part.    Which meant everything to me.   Evidently not for you.    Two years I’ve spent.   Wondering why?   Wasn’t my love for you strong enough?   Through the chances I gave   For you to choose family.    But I’ve learned.   True love takes time.   And effort you weren’t willing to give.    So, I say goodbye.    To the pain, tears   And lonely nights.         Goodbye Holly.   I wish you well.    I hope you eventually stop running away.   And face life head on.     Now, it’s time for me to begin anew.   But only G-d knows with who. 

  My Hope   Is that one day America will be a more perfect Union.   Of people judged by their character   And not the color of their skin.    Or what language they speak.    What religion they are.   And whom they love.     My Hope    Is that kindness and love dominate this land.   Over hatred and fear.   And selfishness or cruelty.      My Hope   Is that violence fades into the shadows.   That gun safety drills at schools are no more.    And children don’t feel the pains of hunger.   Nor the cold wind from lack of shelter.      My Hope    Is the ravages and needless suffering of war come to an end.    And the realization that G-d loves us all equally.   Afterall, we are made in His image.          My Hope   Is that America remains free.    And the Constitution stands strong.   Over the tid...

  Most Americans are feeling overwhelmed. It’s like a dark shadow is being pulled over the entire nation.    What happened to us? All the hate and vitriol.    Not towards America’s enemies but against each other.    A bond that was undeniably strong almost a quarter of a century ago,   Is now holding on by threads.    What made America exceptional.    The envy of the world,   Has been evaporated by individual thirst for power and corporate greed.    We’d ask with a friendly wave or a handshake, “Where you from?”   Now, it’s “Are you Red or Blue? Christian, Muslim, or Jew?”    Asked with a predetermined notion and scowl.    Dehumanizing sects of people to fulfill a narrative filled with hate.         I’m a father who loves his country.   Who wants a better America for my children.   An America where our children have:    The freedom to choose th...

  I heard the news today.     Oh boy, it hit me like a punch to my chest.    Is my son safe at school?   What about my daughter working in the hospital?   Another day, one of too many to count.   Where I just want to hug my children.   Hold them tight. Doesn’t matter if it’s the one who is eleven to the one who just turned thirty.    I can’t even begin to comprehend what their parents are thinking nor how they are feeling.    The emptiness. Being engulfed in so much pain and sadness that their world is a blur.    And their hearts; must be as heavy as a bolder.    First day excitement & jitters for the children of Annunciation.    A beautiful Minneapolis Day. Until…   One angel started to cry and then another.    It’s happened again. Eight and ten   We go and pray.    We pray for their parents.   We pray for their brothers.   We pray for their sisters...