Elul Day 3
Letting Go
What we carry
what we let go of
how do we hold it all
when it feels like pouring water
through a thin sock
Water to prepare and purify
Water shining on my cheeks
Later, ashes streaming in the water
Baruch Dayan Emet
Blessed is the One True Judge
Fire
when they burned
bones and flesh
later, my heart
torn with ragged edges
Dryness of dirt and ash in my hands
in my throat
memories
dreams
regrets
Hold my hand
Time holds us close
seven days
thirty days
three-hundred-sixty-five days
year after year
Stones
on the grave
on the mantle
in my palm
tucked away
only for me
to remember
amulets
touchstones
Call out the names
the stories
I want to hear them over and over
then
we will praise
then
we begin again.