Inspired by Parashat Vayishlakh
If my struggle were an angel I would not think of giving up I would lean into the darkness Not lash out as fiercely Wrestle more gently Be a little more careful not to injure its wings I would lean into its warm-winged breath Explore more the creature it is Consider its magnificence – my own struggle an angel!
If my own struggle were an angel I would shift my stance From gripping to embrace From resisting to welcome From running to standing face-to-face Inviting battle once and for all Energized, open, persisting Insisting on knowing its name Wrestle it to the ground, and keep wrestling until I did Even until morning
And if my struggle were an angel That would mean there must be a blessing I hope I would rally less Humble myself more And see God more quickly – know that I’m not separate Not alone, let go of the smaller me For something much greater So that along with travail Sense that love, beauty and goodness also prevail And in our tumbling dance, receive The blessing I need most
