First matters too much, I -
Second, too intimate,
You -
Third
like the rest,
that
aged bearded Jew -
like those before, doesn't even
like all that are
like him in
that
way including -
no - just
he, him, third
person is impersonal
enough for -
for - description
Right, God? Right?
Right? All just -
just - characters
in
Your play - second -
Your mind - intimate -
Your imagination
so why -
why - why - make it
personal? why
make it
first
person? He -
him - different only
insofar as every person
is
different only
from every other
Make it
matter
Make it
matter
all just -
he's just -
- matter
Right, God?
Right? Right? Like
all the rest,
that
aged bearded Jew -
Graying, withering, wondering
whether words fray too
like the sinews of his - His -
Torah
for he is matter
for unto matter
he shall return
like those before
like all that are
like Him
d’Verse
‘Open link night’
For the most recent ‘open link night’ I have decided to share a poem that I wrote nearly one year ago (in early June), not longer after I created this blog. In general, I don’t feel particularly comfortable writing free verse, and this was one of my earliest attempts at it.
The Skeptic's Kaddish 🇮🇱 
I liked your free verse, I love the photograph as well. Just a beautiful poem David. Hugs, Joni
💚 Joni 💚
❤️🤗🥰
Reminds me of some of my thoughts before bed, especially this:
“Right, God? Right?
Right? All just –
just – characters
in
Your play – second –
Your mind – intimate –
Your imagination
so why –
why – why – make it
personal?”
Makes me realize that we play God as writers, just as God creates his own characters in us. Humanity is interesting with our beliefs and emotions. The different perspectives shared, first, second, third all ring true in their levels of intimacy. I like how you explore the different relationships with God and even questions surrounding it. Very beautiful writing!
In my simple ‘shteiteldike’ way of relating to Him, I believe that each one of us has a spark of G-dliness within each individual Neshama. In addition to that, my grandmother taught me from early childhood that He is everywhere, without time or space constrains or attributes.
I do understand the inner struggle of those, who, like you, David, have not grown up with these concepts but have to learn and accept them intellectually.
I wish you Hatzlacha,
D
Dolly, I do struggle – but I don’t feel that I have to accept anything, only that I am expected to do so by many other people. After years, I’ve become more comfortable being true to my own perception of existence. That said, my perception is far from black-and-white – my perception is wrapped up in the very struggle itself.
Much love and appreciation,
David
As good old Master Will said, “And above all, to thine own self be true.” Other people can go and live with their expectations without forcing them on their friend and neighbors.
I believe that Torah has a way of getting to every Jewish Neshama through learning, not pushing. I also believe that a good chaulent has made more Baalei Teshuvot than all Rabbis’ sermons.
Love,
D
This is certainly true for me – it was the warmth, kindness, and community of frum Jews that I encountered in ’98 that drew me towards observance – not anything that any rabbi told me.
❤
David
You are one of many I’ve met, David.
Much love,
D
💖
😻
P.S. Happy First Blogoversary!
I think you address a lot of very deep questions which I think every religious person has to address…
Maybe some of the texts shall be seen most as written with metaphors… we can only grasp the abstract by relating to what we know in ourselves.
I like the reference to “One of us” which is a song I will listen to now.
I think this is exactly right, Björn! After all, how else can we grasp it?
❤
David
I like the concept of “via negata”… some things are easier to grasp by telling what it’s not.
YES.
Love the thought provoking quetionsn and convo David!🌷
The convo is the best part, Cindy ❤
totally true David!💖
🤗
💖
This circles around the essential question to which there is no clear answer. The stopping-and-starting-again rhythm is very effective. It’s the way thought travels I think. (K)
I can’t speak for other people’s thoughts, but this was more-or-less a stream of consciousness.
❤
David
I love the use of the repetitive phrasing and the dashes. The dashes seem to be a gasping for breath or a sob. Free verse is difficult for me too, which is why I rarely do it… Now a prose poem is something I can enjoy writing!
what is a prose poem, Muri? I’ll have to Google that!
❤
David
Me too
It reads like a flow of consicousness. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so very much, Grace ❤
Yours,
David
I love the thoughtful presentation here…..leaves me deep in thought,.
I still don’t have any answers, Beverly… and I’m still left deep in thought, even after writing and sharing this poem.
❤
David
Although I’ve only begun to read your work, I feel this strays a bit from your usual style…am i right? Right? 😉
I enjoyed the spilling of monologue and pondering on the page.
Mish, you know, I am still trying to figure out what “my” style is… but I have to say that writing free verse always feels awkward to me.
I’m always more comfortable with some sort of form to play with.
❤
David
I like this one a lot.
Shavua tov, EIF ❤
Yours,
David
Some interesting questions posed here David, and an interesting shape your poem takes. Reminds me of the song ‘one of us’ – of course, if God was one of us, that would rule her/him out for the role of God…
Exactly, Ingrid.
Thanks ❤
David
This