A Shadorma
I recall the scribe's quill pressing into me; marking me with holy Torah verses- ancient passages I recall being left to dry; then rolled up; plastic wrapped; inserted into a case; taken to my home I recall being affixed to the doorpost; to observe all the comings and goings of my family I recall the Jewish people's eternal commitment to God's timeless Commandments, in force to this day
W3 poetry prompt
This shadorma was written from the perspective of a mezuzah, a parchment with Torah verses, which traditionally hangs upon every doorpost of a Jewish home. This is a tradition I personally maintain, despite my lack of faith, for reasons of pride, culture, and sentimentality.
This week’s W3 poetry prompt is to write a poem in any style, using personification, from the perspective of a household object.
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 ๐ฎ๐ฑ 
I have my grandmotherโs mezuzah and scrolls. Your poem reminded me of the journey of her scrolls.
I still remember a mezuzah case my savta bought for me, which I was very fond of…
Oh geezzz this is so good David
๐๐๐ป Mich ๐๐ป๐ ~ thanks!
I always enjoy stories told from the perspective of inanimate objects. Very nice.
๐ Brandon ๐
love how you did this David! ๐
๐๐๐ป Cindy ๐๐ป๐
Absolutely marvelous!
๐๐๐ป Dolly ๐๐ป๐
Humbled.
I eat Faith in God, yet host nothing in our doorpost. ๐ค
Well, Rayla, I’ve never met anyone other than Jewish people who keeps this tradition. It’s very distinctly Jewish. โค
~David
Ach. Most churchfolk I know here, do. Even traditional Indian religions have some symbol at the door. Its lovely really.
Interesting! โค
Possibly the result of systematically going against structure….(this not having anything on my door. Never thought of it, tho). Thank you for a great read.
๐ค Rayla ๐ค
Very touching, I am glad to gain some insight into Jewish culture ๐
๐ค๐๐ป Aboli ๐๐ป๐ค ~ thanks so much!
Sincerely,
David
Wonderfully penned, David. Iโve written stories from an objectโs perspective, but never a poem. Something to think aboutโฆ๐
๐๐๐ป Jai ๐๐ป๐
The previous tenants of my current apartment left their mezuzahs behind. It felt so wrong to me…they were carefully removed and entrusted to Nina. (K)
๐ Kerfe ๐ ~ that’s common, according to tradition
Interesting to know. I feel like it would be attached to the spirits of the residents, and should go with them to their new home.
au contraire! there’s a religious issue with taking them down (although rabbinic opinions do vary, particularly when the incoming tenants aren’t Jewish)
but, of course, I see why you would feel this way – it’s totally natural. it feels weird to leave them behind.
So they belong to the house rather than its occupants? I would still feel awkward because it’s not my religious tradition. It would somehow make the apartment not mine. (I know–strange)
In a sense, that’s right
My apartment has been good to me so far, so hopefully I didn’t hurt its feelings…