Sevenling (Some Jews live)
Some Jews live in Israel, by choice
or by chance; some live in the diaspora; others,
of means, travel to and fro.
Some Jews don't give Israel a passing thought;
some relate to it as their people's beloved homeland;
some would be glad to see it crumble like the ancient Temple.
Famously, it's said, "Two Jews, three opinions..." but,
to be clear, we've only got one State of Israel.
The sevenling
Structure:
- Lines one to three should contain three connected or contrasting statements, or a list of three details, names or possibilities. This can take up all of the three lines or be contained anywhere within them.
- Lines four to six should similarly have three elements (statements, details, names, or possibilities) connected directly or indirectly or not at all.
- The seventh line should act as a narrative summary or punchline or an unusual juxtaposition.
- While there are no set metrical rules, because of its form, some rhythm, meter and/or rhyme is desirable.
- The visual structure of the form is two stanzas of three lines, with a solitary seventh line last line.
Also:
- Titles are not required. The original convention was to title the sevenling: “Sevenling (followed by the first few words in parentheses)”, but the form has evolved to other title conventions including dropping “Sevenling” completely from the title.
- Sevenling should be mysterious, offbeat or disturbing, giving a feeling that only part of the story is being told.
Let’s write poetry together!
When it comes to partnership, some humans can make their lives alone – it’s possible. But creatively, it’s more like painting: you can’t just use the same colours in every painting. It’s just not an option. You can’t take the same photograph every time and live with art forms with no differences.
–Ben Harper (b. 1969)
Would you like to create poetry with me and have a completed poem of yours featured here at the Skeptic’s Kaddish? I am very excited to have launched the ‘Poetry Partners’ initiative and am looking forward to meeting and creating with you… Check it out!
The skeptic's kaddish 
So well written, David ✨
❤ Navin ❤ – thank you so much!
You’re welcome, David ✨❤️💫
I like this one.
תודה רבה 😀
And the saying we have is when 3 or more Catholics are gathered together there is a fifth…. poking fun at ourselves! I do like this sevenling as it does provide a view into your world. Seems there may be many who are questioning their political destiny.
wait, I don’t get what that means…. why a fifth and not a fourth?
do you mean a fifth of liquor?
There is only one Israel. May it be strong and beloved forever.
🤞
Bravo David! 👌🏻❤
💖 Filipa 💖
The same and yet different. (K)
💘 Kerfe 💘
Seven Jews probably 11 opinions exponentially speaking but as long as debate is alive and well so is democracy – meanwhile I’m impressed by all your poetry styles David
❤ Laura ❤ – they're not really mine… I just let them come over to play sometimes!
😉
David
This was a nice sevenling.. yeah, I agree with limp here, two Indians, four political parties! And btw, here’s my next set of heptastiches, I decided to return to that form..
https://theforgersoffantasy.art.blog/2021/11/25/dreamspart-2/
well done 🙂
BTW, tonight’s d’Verse prompt isn’t really a prompt – it’s “Open Link Night” – which means you can share any ONE poem of yours that you choose… the link should be up in less than 9 hrs.
-David
Sure 🙂
David 🤗
😘 Yassy 😘
I love the twist – ending with yet another paradox, somewhat nonsensical, spurring on the mind. Thanks for writing,
❤ ❤ Barbara, thank you ❤ ❤
Amazing how you manifested in words the anatomy and the spirit of the Jewish people
Two jews three opinions, i think i get it
■Some Jews don’t give Israel a passing thought;■
Is that right?
Although i never really personally met a jew who’d love to see the ancient temple crumble
Unless you speaking about a brother from another mother.
Anyway, I enjoyed a well researched and authentic read of history summed up in a sevenling
Happy Thanksgivong David enjoy🙂
A quiet day for me.
Abi – here is a well known (among Jews) such group of Jews who would like the modern Jewish State of Israel to cease to exist:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neturei_Karta
Thanks 🙂 will read it soon
Two Jews three opinions? Two Indians, four political parties.
really? do you guys have an electoral threshold (percentage of total votes) required for parties to get into the parliament?
Not necessarily, but for a party to become a “national” party, that is, for it to contest national elections, and get into parliament, it should have secured at least 6% of total votes in the previous elections..
thanks, Veera ❤
Yes, there is. That doesn’t stop from all kinds of parties being formed. In a way, it is good because it helps keep the balance, although the power has always been in the hands of one or the other of two parties over all these years.