My poem ‘Half a dozen of the other, or: Jew’ published on MasticadoresIndia

56 thoughts on “My poem ‘Half a dozen of the other, or: Jew’ published on MasticadoresIndia”

1. Many kudos on being published – and for writing a poem with difficult truths in it! I think identity is a difficult topic since even in group identity there is the desire for individualism…

   1. Not to mention the gazillions of subgroups ❣️

2. Congratulations on being published.

   1. ❤ thanks, Patrick ❤

      -David

3. Mazal tov on being published! I like the way the poem plays with ideas of insiders and outsiders, belonging and not belonging. I guess some Jews’ Jewish identities consist of mainly telling people why they aren’t like other Jews.

   1. I don’t think I’d say that about myself, but it’s just that I’ve come to realize that so many people don’t understand the difference between me (because of my beard and head covering) and ultra-Orthodox Jews or Zionist ultra-Orthodox Jews (Hardalim)… And they make a lot of assumptions about me that aren’t true. I like looking the way I look, and I like being who I am, and I like being a Jew… so I don’t want to change any of that – I just want to help people understand whom they’re interacting with.

      ❤
      David

      1. I didn’t mean that you were like that, just that the poem made me think of people who are.

         1. 🤗 LM 🤗

4. Well done to you!

   1. ❤ thank you so very much, Caroline! ❤

      -David

5. Congratulations David. I am thrilled for you! Your deep genuine poetry, and you exploration of poetic form as a vehicle for expression of truths, are always refreshing.
   Much deserved. The first of many publication, I have no doubt. Peace.

   1. 😍🧸 Suzette 🧸😍

6. Congratulations, David. 🎉🎉

   1. Maybe I should move to India – it seems I’m appreciated there, Kaushal 😉

      ❤
      David

      1. You’re always welcome, David. It will be our pleasure. We also believe in Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, the earth is the family.💐💖🙏

7. Thank you so much, David. The pleasure is all mine. Your words and their essence enthrall the readers’ minds. Your poetry is engaging and there’s much learning in it.
   Wish you all the best and hope to read many more of your beautiful pieces. 🙂

   1. 🤗😘 Terveen 😘🤗

8. she is the sweetest

   1. Agreed❣️

9. Congrats, David. Fascinating read.

   1. 🤗 Thanks, Anna! 🤗
      (may I ask how you’re feeling?)

      1. You can: still in recovery mode. But my cardio said to give myself 4 weeks to recover from all the testing- so am being gentle with myself 😊. Sweet of you to ask.
         I am still praying for your Aunt and your family. How is she doing?

         1. She’ll never be “okay” in the sense that she has stage 4 cancer in different locations in her body… but the good news is that her CT scans, which she gets every 3 months (I think) continue to indicate that the chemo she takes (she takes pills) is working and preventing the cancer from spreading further.

            Of course, the side effects are painful and uncomfortable, but she’s fighting tooth and nail to live… and she’s been fighting for five years since her stage 4 diagnosis, which is longer than many other people with her condition.

            I’m glad you’re being kind to yourself 🙂

            1. What a fight she is in daily. So glad the pills are stopping it from spreading further so far. Can imagine it takes courage to face each new day. I will keep praying.

               BTW your Aunt makes me think of this song: https://youtu.be/y0PJE2k9MvI

               The lady singing that battled years through end stage cancer to be there with her young kids and she lived life to the fullest. It’s women like her and your Aunt that inspire us all…just wish they didn’t have to walk through so much pain. Cancer is horrid.

            2. it’s truly among the very worst 😦

               thanks, Anna; and -wow- that’s a lovely song… I read the lyrics in Google Translate. So touching.

               ❤
               David

10. It’s a wonderful poem, David. Congratulations!

    1. Thanks so much, Jenn ❣️

11. Proud of you

    1. 🥰 Andrew 🥰

12. Congratulations, David! I read your piece at MasticadoresIndia’s website and thoroughly enjoyed every word. One reason I appreciate your poetry (and your blog as a whole) is that it’s so informative with regards to Jewish culture. Every time I read your work, I learn something new, and it’s both fascinating and enlightening. Thanks for this. Looking forward to reading (and learning) more. 🙂

    1. Thanks, Mike ❤️
       The Internet is amazing, isn’t it? Bringing us in contact with people from different upbringings and societies in a way that was once inconceivable!

       -David

       1. You’re absolutely correct! And I’m glad for it. 🙂