The Hebrew root ayin.resh.vet (the root of both maariv and aravim) has many meanings. Each stanza explores one or more of them: to sweeten, the woof of a woven cloth, west, to mix, to be responsible for/guarantor for, and evening/night.
I like to imagine the Divine as a confectioner,
An apron tied around her waist
As she pulls pinches of spun-sugar clouds across the darkening sky.
Blessed are You, Eternal, Who sweetens the air of twilight.
I like to imagine the Divine as a weaver,
Their long fingers
Carefully structuring the warp and woof of the emerging constellations.
Blessed are You, Eternal, Who weaves the structure of the night sky.
I like to imagine the Divine as a cartographer,
Mapping with precision
The sun’s path down toward the horizon.
Blessed are You, Eternal, Who put in the west the setting sun.
I like to imagine the Divine as a watercolorist,
A soft brush in his hand
Blending sunset hues on the sky-canvas.
Blessed are You, Eternal, Who mixes the shadows of eveningtime.
I like to imagine the Divine as a cosmic guarantor.
Even as darkness falls, Divine presence promises
Morning light will burst forth again.
Blessed are You, Eternal, Who is responsible for night’s end.
Baruch Atah Adonai, Hamaariv aravim.
ברוך אתה יי המעריב ערבים.
