I am a descendant of SarahThe first matriarch, wife of Abraham, and mother of Isaac, whom she birthed at the age of 90. Sarah, in Rabbinic tradition, is considered holy, beautiful, and hospitable. Many prayers, particularly the Amidah (the central silent prayer), refer to God as Magen Avraham – protector of Abraham. Many Jews now add: pokehd or ezrat Sarah – guardian or helper of Sarah.
there and not there
as if I were attached
to a body
in need of life support.
Arteries are blocked.
Veins obstructed.
Tunnels congested with hate
thwart the flow of oxygen
so that blood turns cold
curdles
and sickens at its center.
How can a body breathe without a stable heart?
How can a body survive so much spilled blood?
An attack of the heart
needs repair,
tikkun halev,
pathways need to be rerouted
so that lifeblood can warm
and pulse again.
I pray for a minimally invasive procedure
that will save our collective broken heart.
