Listen, we are told, hear, bless
the name of our singular God,
forever – or at least twice daily
and just before death, if either fortunate
or cursed to recognize that moment.
Listen, we are told, but don’t see,
rather a commandment
to cover our eyes as we chant,
avoid distractions, stay safe
from dazzlement by Divine fire.
Yet, there is the N’er Tamid,
silent eternal flame,
suspended before the Ark,
testament to God’s presence, illumination
for the Torah that defines us.
Amplification, not distraction.
I chant the Shema, eyes ablaze,
riveted on the N’er Tamid, give thanks
for my inheritance, my life,
to the generations who protected
their own eternal light, take courage
from their survival as I pray
for my own.
