Chains Around my Heart
In Memory of October 7, 2023
Two years,
Shackled by grief,
A neverending barrage of hate and disinformation,
Tugging on chains knotted around my heart.
Two years,
Those once trusted, ensnared by hatred and righteousness;
Tugging on chains knotted around my heart.
Two years,
Beloveds trapped underground; starved and beaten;
Our dead, discarded.
Jews moving through discordant worlds, in disarray, hearts asunder…
Tugging on chains knotted around my heart.
Still light shines through: dappled, bright;
Piercing through hate, it diminishes: we root to rise.
Tugging on chains knotted around my heart.
Two years ago, frozen in horror, eyes plastered open, taking in the unimaginable;
Last year, marking my skin, Shani Louk, a remembrance, an honoring;
This year, in the womb of the Sukkah, remembering, honoring.
This year, it still tugs on the chains knotted around my heart.
May the memories of the murdered be for a righteous blessing; May the hostages be returned and may they receive the healing they deserve. May the families continue to heal and tend to their broken hearts. Am Yisrael Chai