I Promised My Rabbi

by Cathleen Cohen

My first morning word

would be thanks modah ani

for soul and breath lifanekha ruakhLit. Spirit. Some new versions of blessings call God "Spirit of the World" (Ruakh Ha’olam), rather than "King of the World" (Melekh Ha'olam).

but there’s a glitch.

Sparrows have been cavorting

since 4 am, parceling the sky,

proclaiming territories,

so my language is tangled

with their songs.

Also, my murmurs are threaded

with half-finished dream

journey. Honey, wait, I shout

into the murky dawn,

where it’s hard to behold

God’s face or anything else.

I’ve been given

visions of strange cities, hallways,

doors that swing open

to rooms void of families,

of images. This year of loss.

Every night the same dream

is sent, a blank canvas

I have no energy to paint on.

Still, I’m here sh’hekhezarta bi

which merits

every bit of grace

I can breathe in

then return

nishmati b’khemla,

raba emunatekha.

Posted in Daily Prayer & Mindfulness, Honoring Our Animal Companions, Morning Service
blessing, gratitude, morning blessings

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